Fluid management of shock in critically-ill patients

This article summarizes the theoretical basis and practical applications of the fluid management of shock in critically-ill patients. It also draws attention to the differences in the aetiology and management of fluid disturbances in adult and paediatric practice. Some evidence suggests that colloidal solutions alone may be superior to crystalloid solutions alone in the resuscitation of patients with shock, but in most situations a combination of both types of fluid is more logical.