This guideline covers general principles for managing intravenous (IV) fluids for children and young people under 16 years, including assessing fluid and electrolyte status and prescribing IV fluid therapy.
It applies to a range of conditions and different settings. It does not include recommendations relating to specific conditions. This guideline represents a major opportunity to improve patient safety for children and young people having IV fluid therapy in hospital.
Recommendations
This guideline includes recommendations on:
- principles and protocols for intravenous fluid therapy
- assessment and monitoring
- fluid resuscitation
- routine maintenance
- replacement and redistribution
- managing hypernatraemia and hyponatraemia that develops during intravenous fluid therapy
- training and education
Who is it for?
- Healthcare professionals who care for children and young people who need IV fluid therapy
- Commissioners and providers of healthcare services
- Children and young people under 16 years who need IV fluid therapy, their families and carers
Related publications
Neilson J, O'Neill F, Dawoud D, Crean P. Intravenous fluids in children and young people: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2015; 351
Dawoud D, Fenu E, Griffin EA, Wonderling D, Ritchie G, Crean P. Intravenous Fluids for Children: Cost and Threshold Analysis to Inform the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Clinical Guideline Recommendation. Value in Health. 19(7):A607