Intravenous Fluid Practices in Turkish Intensive Care Units (TR-FLUID)

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

Intravenous (IV) fluids-fluids given directly into a vein-are among the most common treatments used in intensive care units (ICUs). They are given for several reasons, such as supporting blood pressure, providing daily water and salts, replacing losses, or diluting medications. However, the type of fluid, the amount given, and the salt (sodium and chloride) load can vary widely between hospitals and doctors. In Turkey, there is currently no up-to-date, multicenter information describing how IV fluids are used in adult ICUs in everyday practice.

This study, called TR-FLUID, aims to describe IV fluid use in adult ICUs across Turkey. It is an observational study, meaning the researchers only observe and record care that is already being provided. No extra tests, medications, or procedures are added, and the study does not change how patients are treated in any way.

On a single pre-selected study day at each participating ICU, the research team will identify all adult patients (18 years and older) who are in the ICU at 8:00 a.m. For each patient, the team will record the IV fluids given over the following 24 hours-including the fluid type, the volume, the reason it was given, and the resulting sodium and chloride load-together with the patient's fluid balance. All information is taken from the patient's existing medical records.

The main goal is to determine what proportion of patients receive fluids for resuscitation and which fluid types are used. The study will also describe the total fluid, sodium, and chloride given by indication; the 24-hour fluid balance; and how fluid use relates to short-term events such as the need for blood-pressure-supporting medications, new kidney injury, and ICU and hospital survival. These relationships will be explored to generate hypotheses and are not intended to prove cause and effect.

The findings will provide a national picture of current fluid practice in Turkish ICUs, help identify where practice differs from guidelines, and serve as a foundation for future quality-improvement and research efforts.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Proportion of Patients Receiving Resuscitation Fluid and Distribution of Intravenous Fluid Types — 24 hours (study Day 1, 08:00 to study Day 2, 08:00)
  Among all enrolled patients, the proportion who receive at least one intravenous fluid given for a resuscitation indication during the 24-hour observation window, and the distribution of the administered fluid types (0.9% saline; balanced crystalloids \[Ringer's lactate, Isolyte-S, Plasma-Lyte 148\]; 5%/20% albumin; other colloids; hypertonic crystalloid). Reported as counts and percentages with 95% confidence intervals.

Trial sites (1)

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