Advancements in Pediatric Intravenous Fluid Therapy: Enhancing Hydration, Electrolyte Stability, and Clinical Outcomes

Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy plays a crucial role in pediatric medicine, particularly in managing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and critically ill children. Selecting appropriate IV fluids is crucial for clinical outcomes, as improper administration may result in hospital-acquired hyponatremia, metabolic acidosis, or fluid overload. This review examines the availability, indications, contraindications, and benefits of IV fluids in pediatric practice in India, with a particular focus on diarrheal dehydration, dengue shock syndrome (DSS), neonatal fluid therapy, and routine maintenance. Additionally, this paper incorporates updated guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), and international pediatric critical care recommendations to provide evidence-based insights for optimizing pediatric IV fluid therapy.