Effect of Treatment With Balanced Crystalloids Versus Normal Saline on the Mortality of Critically Ill Patients With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In comparison to normal saline, balanced solutions were associated with a reduction in mortality in critical care patients without TBI. However, balanced solutions were associated with an increase in mortality in patients with TBI. These findings suggest that the effect of fluid choice on intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes may depend partially on the type of critical illness and in particular in patients with TBI.