Plasma-Lyte-148 Versus Normal Saline 0.9% in Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management: A Review

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a critical complication of diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycemia, ketonemia, circulatory collapse, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. The therapeutic management of DKA includes vigilant fluid resuscitation to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and restore hemodynamic stability. The choice of fluid, either isotonic saline or a balanced electrolyte solution like Plasma-Lyte 148 (PL), is pivotal in the clinical outcomes of DKA patients. Recent studies have compared the effectiveness of these fluid solutions in DKA management, focusing on different clinical outcomes such as the resolution of metabolic acidosis, electrolyte imbalances, the incidence of acute kidney injury, and length of hospital stay. This review examines the literature comparing isotonic saline and balanced electrolyte solutions for fluid resuscitation in DKA, analyzing the associated clinical outcomes. Through synthesizing research findings, this review aims to elucidate the efficacy and potential advantages of utilizing PL as an alternative to traditional isotonic saline for fluid resuscitation in treating DKA. This would further facilitate evidence-based decision-making among healthcare professionals and contribute to optimizing DKA management strategies. Understanding the intricacies and implications of fluid resuscitation is crucial, given its profound impact on patient outcomes in DKA management.