Crystalloid versus colloid for fluid resuscitation: a computer simulation

Intravenous fluid resuscitation is routinely prescribed for injury victims to expand intravascular volume and sustain adequate tissue perfusion and vital organ function. This treatment involves decisions with respect to fluid volume, infusion rate and fluid's composition. Specifically, there is an unsolved controversy over the merits of colloid versus crystalloid solutions for fluid resuscitation. Using a multi-compartment computer simulation of the cardiovascular system, the effects of different fluids on the heart's oxygen balance were studied. The model results suggest that in addition to pulmonary and systemic edema, cardiac oxygen balance is an important factor that should be considered during fluid therapy. Oxygen deficit may occur during rapid infusion rates in both crystalloid and colloid fluids with a significantly greater risk in the case of plasma. Therefore, lower rates of colloid infusion are safer for eliminating risks of cardiac failure due to oxygen deficit.