(See also Fluid Metabolism; see Metabolic, Electrolyte, and Toxic Disorders in Neonates: Neonatal Hypernatremia; and see Metabolic, Electrolyte, and Toxic Disorders in Neonates: Neonatal Hyponatremia.)

Unlike in adults, fluid management in children is based on weight and on specific guidelines, because children are more sensitive to fluid depletion (and excess). All guidelines are approximations; individualized adjustments based on close monitoring are essential.

Last full review/revision February 2013 by Michael F. Cellucci, MD