Antioxidant potential of i.v. fluids

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Acute clinical settings often involve antioxidant therapy.
• Patients frequently receive intravenous (IV) fluids, some of which may possess inherent antioxidant properties.
• Understanding the antioxidant capacity of commonly used IV fluids is crucial for accurate therapeutic assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify and compare the antioxidant capacity of nine different intravenous (IV) fluid preparations.
• To determine if commonly administered IV fluids contribute to the overall antioxidant status in patients.

Main Methods:

• The antioxidant capacity of nine IV fluid solutions was measured using Trolox equivalents.
• The solutions included Gelofusine, Haemaccel, 20% mannitol, 4.5% human albumin solution, fresh frozen plasma, aprotinin, N-acetylcysteine, and two hydroxyethyl starch solutions.
• Results were expressed as mean mmol litre-1 Trolox equivalents.

Main Results:

• Mannitol 20% and hydroxyethyl starch solutions demonstrated no significant antioxidant activity.
• Protein-containing solutions (gelatins, albumin, aprotinin) exhibited antioxidant activity ranging from 50-66% of that of fresh frozen plasma.
• N-acetylcysteine showed a markedly higher antioxidant activity (502 mmol litre-1) compared to all other tested IV fluids.

Conclusions:

• The antioxidant capacity of IV fluids varies significantly.
• Protein-based IV solutions contribute moderately to antioxidant capacity, while N-acetylcysteine is a potent antioxidant.
• Future studies on antioxidant therapy should consider the potential contribution of IV fluids to the patient's overall antioxidant status.