Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. robertsk@email.chop.edu
The care of the critically ill infant or child often is complicated further by disruptions in fluid or electrolyte balance. Prompt recognition of these disruptions is essential to the care of these patients. This article provides an overview of the principles of fluid and electrolyte balance in the critically ill infant and child. Imbalances in fluid homeostasis and imbalances in sodium, potassium, and calcium homeostasis are presented in a case study format.