Cosios-Sarmiento et al. (2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Crystalloid resuscitation is an essential intervention in sepsis; however, the high
chloride concentration of 0.9% saline can promote hyperchloremia, metabolic acidosis, and
alterations in renal perfusion. Balanced crystalloids contain chloride concentrations closer to
physiological levels and include organic buffers; thus, they may reduce renal events and mortality.
Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of balanced crystalloids versus 0.9% saline for the
resuscitation of adults with sepsis or septic shock. Methods: A systematic review was conducted
in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE,
SciELO, and Google Scholar up to August 10, 2026. Comparative studies involving adults with
sepsis that evaluated balanced crystalloids (Lactated Ringer’s, Ringer’s acetate, or Plasma-Lyte)
versus 0.9% saline were included. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes
included acute kidney injury (AKI), renal replacement therapy (RRT), hyperchloremia, and organ
support-free days. Randomized evidence was prioritized; risk of bias was assessed using
Cochrane RoB 2 criteria, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.
Results: Eight independent studies involving 8,173 patients with sepsis were included; seven
provided direct randomized comparisons regarding mortality. Synthesis of these RCTs showed
lower mortality with balanced crystalloids (31.7% vs. 34.8%; RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.86–0.98; I²=37%).
In four RCTs, the incidence of AKI was lower with balanced crystalloids (34.3% vs. 39.1%; RR
0
0
.86; 95% CI 0.78–0.96; I²=0%). Hyperchloremia was also less frequent (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.52–
.90), and the need for RRT showed a borderline reduction (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.56–1.00). The
results were consistent with the secondary analysis of the CLOVERS trial, although the latter
does not constitute a randomized comparison by crystalloid type. Conclusion: In adults with
sepsis, balanced crystalloids likely offer a small clinical advantage over 0.9% saline—particularly
regarding mortality and AKI—with a clear biochemical benefit concerning chloride load. The
certainty of evidence is moderate for mortality and AKI, and lower for other outcomes. The choice
should be individualized, especially in situations involving a risk of intracranial hypertension or
other circumstances where fluid composition is critical.
Keywords: sepsis; septic shock; balanced crystalloids; saline; lactated Ringer's; Plasma-Lyte;
acute kidney injury; fluid resuscitation.
propiedades ácido-base diferentes,
1. Introducción
capaces de influir en la respuesta
fisiológica y, potencialmente, en los
desenlaces clínicos [3].
La sepsis es una disfunción orgánica
potencialmente mortal causada por
una respuesta desregulada del
La solución salina al 0,9% contiene
aproximadamente 154 mmol/L de
sodio y 154 mmol/L de cloro, una
huésped
a
la infección. La
inestabilidad hemodinámica y la
hipoperfusión son frecuentes en las
formas graves, por lo que la
administración temprana de fluidos
intravenosos continúa siendo uno de
los pilares del tratamiento inicial
concentración
de
cloro
considerablemente superior a la
plasmática. Cuando se administra en
volúmenes elevados puede producir
hipercloremia y acidosis metabólica
hiperclorémica. Además de sus
efectos sobre el equilibrio ácido-
base, la carga de cloro se ha
[
1,2]. Sin embargo, el concepto de
fluido” no es homogéneo: distintas
soluciones cristaloides poseen
composiciones electrolíticas
“
y
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