Soluzioni per tutte le disionemie: sodio e potassio

The article addresses the complex world of hydro-electrolytic homeostasis in children and highlights the practical difficulties paediatricians face in choosing infusion fluids and in daily clinical management. The fundamental concepts of osmolarity, body compartments (distinguishing between the intracellular and extracellular spaces) and the physiology of water and solute balance are reviewed. The different types of commercially available and ‘homemade’ solutions are analysed and their use (the ratio of sodium, chlorine, potassium and osmotic load) and the recommended electrolytic intake per kilogram of body weight across different age groups are critically discussed.