Comparison the effects of using two methods of fluid therapy with normal saline or 5% dextrose in half amount of normal saline solution on blood glucose and plasma electrolytes during and after neonatal surgeries: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Nowadays, with or without sugar, balanced electrolyte solutions are used to prevent hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia for neonatal fluid therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of two types of fluid therapy with normal saline and 5% dextrose in half amount of normal saline (DW5% NaCl 0.45%) solution on plasma electrolytes and blood glucose during and after surgery in neonates. Methods: The research population consisted of 1-day to 30-day-old infants who were candidates for surgery under general anesthesia; 70 infants were selected and assigned by block randomization in two groups of 35. Patients in Group A received fluid therapy with normal saline 0.9% (10 cc/kg/h) and DW 5% NaCl 0.45% solution in Group B (10 cc/kg/h). Results: There was no significant difference in the mean value of bicarbonate level (HCO3), base excess and blood acidity (pH) in the study groups (P > 0.05). In Group A, there was no significant difference in sodium (Na) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) over time (P > 0.123), while in Group B, Na level decreased and MAP increased significantly (P < 0.05) with time. Blood sugar levels increased significantly in both groups over time, although this increase was greater in Group B. Conclusion: In general, the results of the study showed that both fluid therapy with normal saline and DW5% NaCl 0.45% solutions can be used in neonatal surgery, but based on the studied variables in this work, normal saline has a lower risk of hyperglycemia than DW5% NaCl 0.45% solution and therefore it is preferred.