1. What Are Maintenance IV Fluids?

Maintenance IV fluids are calculated to provide the daily water and electrolyte requirements for patients who cannot take fluids orally. The Holliday-Segar method is commonly used for pediatric patients to determine appropriate fluid replacement.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Holliday-Segar formula:

Where:

• First 10 kg: 100 mL/kg/day
• Next 10 kg (11-20 kg): 50 mL/kg/day
• Each kg above 20 kg: 20 mL/kg/day

Explanation: This formula accounts for decreasing fluid requirements per kilogram as body weight increases, reflecting the body's metabolic needs.

3. Importance Of Maintenance Fluid Calculation

Details: Accurate fluid calculation is essential for preventing dehydration while avoiding fluid overload, especially in pediatric patients where small errors can have significant consequences.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the patient's weight in kilograms. The calculator will provide both daily fluid requirements and hourly IV infusion rates for clinical convenience.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use different rates for different weight ranges?
A: Fluid requirements per kilogram decrease with increasing body size because metabolic rate per unit mass is higher in smaller individuals.

Q2: Is this formula suitable for all ages?
A: Primarily used for children, but can be applied to adults with adjustments for clinical conditions and insensible losses.

Q3: When should maintenance fluids be adjusted?
A: Adjust for fever (increase 10-15% per °C above 38°C), dehydration, renal impairment, cardiac failure, or syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion.

Q4: What type of fluid is typically used?
A: Usually hypotonic solutions like 0.45% saline with dextrose, but choice depends on electrolyte status and clinical condition.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: Does not account for ongoing losses (vomiting, diarrhea), surgical losses, or unusual insensible losses. Clinical judgment is essential.