Objectives: Fluid creep, used as a drug diluent can contribute to fluid and electrolyte balance. Fluid creep brings substantial volume and electrolyte load to patients, especially in critically ill children. This study is conducted to evaluate the correlation of fluid creep with fluid and electrolyte balance in critically ill children.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a single tertiary center. We include children aged 1 month- 18 years in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Exclusion criteria were patients receiving renal replacement therapy and plasmapheresis. Fluids and electrolyte intake were recorded at admission and the first 24 hours in the PICU.
Results: A total of 64 patients were observed. The sources of fluid intake are 61% from parenteral, 25% from enteral nutrition, and 12% from fluid creep. There were significant correlations between the volume (r = 0.304, P = .015) and electrolyte intake (r = 0.742, P = .035) of fluid creep with daily fluid balance. There is no correlation between fluid creep and electrolyte changes in 24 hours. Fifty-two patients used WFI (81.2%) as a drug diluent.
Conclusion: Our study showed that fluid creep constitutes 12% of daily fluid intake. There is a correlation between the volume and electrolyte intake from fluid creep to daily fluid balance, so it is important to include the volume of fluid creep in calculating the fluid balance. Thus, it is recommended to use hypotonic fluid like WFI compared to NaCl 0.9% for drug diluent.
Cite this article as: Yuniar I, Sihotang J, Suriadi R, June D. The correlation of fluid creep with fluid and electrolyte imbalance in pediatric intensive care unit Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Central Public Hospital. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2024;59(4):353-357.