In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we discuss a study from Intensive Care Medicine that explores whether baseline serum chloride and pH affect outcomes with balanced fluids versus saline. The findings from the PLUS trial show no significant interaction, but intriguing trends suggest that hyperchloremic patients may benefit more from balanced fluids.

The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook

I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy.

Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)

My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)

Citation: Ramanan M, Hammond N, Billot L, Delaney A, Devaux A, Finfer S, Li Q, Micallef S, Venkatesh B, Young PJ, Myburgh J; PLUS Investigators. Serum chloride concentration and outcomes in adults receiving intravenous fluid therapy with a balanced crystalloid solution or 0.9% sodium chloride. Intensive Care Med. 2025 Feb;51(2):249-258. doi: 10.1007/s00134-024-07764-2. Epub 2025 Feb 10. PMID: 39928118.

In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we break down a randomized trial from CHEST (2025) comparing Normosol-R vs. Lactated Ringer’s in critically ill adults. Learn whether acetate/gluconate-buffered fluids offer advantages over lactate-buffered solutions regarding acid-base balance, kidney function, and mortality. Tune in to hear how this study impacts critical care fluid management!

The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook

I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy.

Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)

My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)

Citation: Qian ET, Brown RM, Jackson KE, Wang L, Stollings JL, Freundlich RE, Wanderer JP, Siew ED, Bernard GR, Self WH, Casey JD, Rice TW, Semler MW; Pragmatic Critical Care Research Group. Normosol-R versus Lactated Ringers in the Critically Ill: A Randomized Trial. Chest. 2025 Feb 17:S0012-3692(25)00165-5. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2025.02.008. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39971001.

In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, we review a 2025 study from Critical Care Medicine comparing lactated Ringer’s and normal saline for initial fluid resuscitation in sepsis-induced hypotension. The findings suggest that LR may improve survival and increase hospital-free days compared to NS, supporting current guidelines favoring balanced crystalloids. Tune in for a deep dive into the study’s results and clinical implications!

The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook

I have written "The Vasopressor & Inotrope Handbook: A Practical Guide for Healthcare Professionals," a must-read for anyone caring for critically ill patients (check out the reviews)! You have several options to get a physical copy.

Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/47qJZe1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Affiliate Link)

My Store: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eddyjoemd.myshopify.com/products/the-vasopressor-inotrope-handbook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Use "podcast" to save 10%)

Citation: Gelbenegger G, Shapiro NI, Zeitlinger M, Jilma B, Douglas IS, Jorda A. Lactated Ringer's or Normal Saline for Initial Fluid Resuscitation in Sepsis-Induced Hypotension. Crit Care Med. 2025 Feb 19. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000006601. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39969246.