Physiology of the developing kidney: Fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and therapy of basic disorders (Na/H2O/K/Acid Base)

Abstract

The spectrum of clinical conditions requiring the prescription of fluid and electrolyte therapy by pediatric clinicians is vast, ranging from rehydrating otherwise healthy children with acute gastrointestinal illness to correcting life-threatening abnormalities in children with complex chronic disease. Recognition of each child’s individual clinical situation, notably any changes in normal physiology and homeostatic mechanisms that accompany the acute or chronic illness, and each situation’s ultimate goal with respect to volume resuscitation or electrolyte correction is crucial for the provision of the correct combination of fluid and electrolytes in the proper amount of time.