Where the infused electrolytes go

Crystalloids infusion affects the acid-base Equilibrium. Crystalloids enter the cells at remarkable amount. Sodium extrusion requires energy (sodium-potassium pump). To study the effect we have to consider: Membrane integrity; Plasma osmolarity (≈ Na+ x2); Plasma Protein; Infusion Osmolarity; Infusion Oncoticity. Moreover the characteristic of the infused fluid and the price to be paid are very important. To evaluate where the iinfused electrolytes go we infused in 12 healthy pigs ~2 L of solution in 120 min and estimated the distribution volume using electolytes input and output. An initial extracellular volume equal to 16% of body weight. After 120 min infusion expansion computed by Albumin-derived plasma dilution. *Excessive Chloride load seems unjustified and potentially dangerous *Lactate is rapidly cleared (5% in extracellular fluid)