Past and current trends in intravenous therapy for hemorrhagic shock.

One issue that has generated controversy in the area of trauma care is the administration of isotonic intravenous crystalloid volume for patients suffering from traumatic hemorrhagic shock. This practice, once accepted as the standard for good medical care, has become regarded over the past decade as substandard. This article looks at the scientific basis for fluid resuscitation and evidence for declining use of this therapy. Finally, there is recent evidence that some level of intravenous fluid therapy is, in fact, beneficial.