A System of Models for Fluid-Electrolyte Dynamics

In this paper, a number of models which have been developed for studying fluid-electrolyte equilibrium and imbalance is presented. Two levels of dynamics and control are considered corresponding to the physiological processes and the incorporation of such processes within the clinical dynamics of patient care. The large-scale simulations presented are used mainly for hypothesis testing or giving insight into the complex physiological dynamics, whereas the clinical models, which are smaller, are used for parameter estimation and predicting the evolving patient state. Computer simulation is central to these model developments in generating time responses for model identification, validation, and prediction. The paper examines the possible clinical application of the various models in the management of fluid-electrolyte disorders and indicates that features of each of them, integrated into a single implementation, could provide a system of practical clinical value.