ABSTRACT
Solutions with a low or moderately low content of glucose are widely used in the treatment of debilitated hospital patients. Although glucose solutions are indicated for hydration when there is simultaneous starvation, their use during and immediately after surgery is quite controversial. In these situations, glucose is usually infused in an isotonic 5% solution without electrolytes. Alternatively, the glucose 5% solution is buffered and then contains small amounts of sodium, chloride, and acetate (or lactate) to limit the risks of hyponatremia and acidosis when the glucose has been metabolized. To allow more rapid administration, the bag sometimes contains only 2.5% glucose together with ions and buffer. For postoperative use, the infused fluid might contain as much as 10% of glucose.
