What is the appropriate rate of 0.45% sodium chloride (NaCl) infusion in milliliters per hour (ml/h) for a patient with hypernatremia?

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From the Guidelines

Para un paciente con hipernatremia tratado con cloruro de sodio al 0.45%, la tasa de infusión inicial debe ser individualizada según el estado de hidratación, los niveles de electrolitos séricos y la producción urinaria, pero generalmente se administra a una tasa de 4-14 ml/kg/h, lo que se traduce en aproximadamente 200-400 ml/h para un adulto promedio, aunque esto puede variar según el peso y la condición del paciente. La tasa de infusión debe ajustarse según la gravedad de la hipernatremia, la edad, el estado cardiovascular y la función renal del paciente. El objetivo es disminuir el sodio sérico a una tasa segura de no más de 8-10 mEq/L en 24 horas para evitar la edema cerebral. La monitorización frecuente de los niveles de sodio sérico (cada 2-4 horas inicialmente) es esencial para guiar la terapia 1. La tasa de infusión puede necesitar disminuirse a medida que el nivel de sodio se acerca a la normalidad. Además, abordar la causa subyacente de la hipernatremia es crucial para un tratamiento efectivo. La atención cuidadosa al estado de fluidos del paciente, la producción urinaria y los parámetros hemodinámicos es necesaria a lo largo del proceso de tratamiento para prevenir complicaciones.

Algunos puntos clave a considerar en el tratamiento de la hipernatremia incluyen:

  • La individualización de la tasa de infusión según el estado de hidratación y los niveles de electrolitos séricos del paciente.
  • La monitorización frecuente de los niveles de sodio sérico y la producción urinaria para ajustar la tasa de infusión según sea necesario.
  • La importancia de abordar la causa subyacente de la hipernatremia para un tratamiento efectivo.
  • La necesidad de prevenir complicaciones, como la edema cerebral, mediante una disminución cuidadosa y controlada del sodio sérico. La evidencia más reciente y de alta calidad sugiere que la tasa de infusión de 0.45% de cloruro de sodio debe ser ajustada según la condición del paciente, pero generalmente se administra a una tasa de 4-14 ml/kg/h 1.

From the Research

Treatment of Hypernatremia

To address hypernatremia, the primary goal is to correct the fluid deficit and address the underlying cause.

  • The treatment approach involves calculating the free water deficit and replacing it with hypotonic fluids, such as 0.45% sodium chloride solution 2.
  • The rate of correction should be carefully managed to avoid overly rapid changes in serum sodium levels, which can lead to neurological complications.
  • In critically ill patients, central venous administration of hypotonic 0.225% sodium chloride infusion has been shown to be effective in decreasing serum sodium concentration 2.

Calculation of Fluid Replacement

The calculation of fluid replacement is crucial in managing hypernatremia.

  • The free water deficit can be estimated using the following formula: Free water deficit = 0.4 x body weight (kg) x ((current serum sodium / 140) - 1) 3.
  • The fluid replacement rate can be calculated based on the estimated free water deficit and the desired rate of correction.

Rate of Correction

The rate of correction of hypernatremia should be carefully managed to avoid neurological complications.

  • A general guideline is to correct the serum sodium level by no more than 10-12 mmol/L per 24 hours 4.
  • In severe cases of hypernatremia, more aggressive correction may be necessary, but this should be done with caution and close monitoring of the patient's neurological status.

Fluid Replacement Rate for 0.45% Sodium Chloride Solution

The fluid replacement rate for 0.45% sodium chloride solution can be calculated based on the estimated free water deficit and the desired rate of correction.

  • For example, if the estimated free water deficit is 2 liters, and the desired rate of correction is 10 mmol/L per 24 hours, the fluid replacement rate could be approximately 80-100 ml/h of 0.45% sodium chloride solution, depending on the patient's individual needs and response to treatment 2.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Safety and efficacy of intravenous hypotonic 0.225% sodium chloride infusion for the treatment of hypernatremia in critically ill patients.

Nutrition in clinical practice : official publication of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 2013

Research

Diagnosis and treatment of hypernatremia.

Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism, 2016

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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