Background: Plasma-Lyte is a licensed isotonic fluid that can be used as an intravenous (IV) fluid in children and infants. It can be used as a lower cost alternative to IV fluids containing 0.45% or 0.9% Sodium Chloride (NaCl), with or without potassium or glucose 5%. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess evidence which compare the outcome in paediatric patients of using Plasma-Lyte for intravenous fluid maintenance, replacement or resuscitation as an alternative to other intravenous fluids. Design: This study is a systematic review of published, original research articles of any design. Subjects: Children aged 0–18 years. Method: Electronic database search was performed of MEDLINE and EMBASE. Results: Seven articles, which reported 5 studies, met the inclusion criteria. A single high quality peer reviewed randomised controlled trial (RCT)demonstrated that in comparison with 0.9 % NaCl for rehydration in children with gastroenteritis, Plasma-Lyte was well tolerated and led to more rapid improvement in serum bicarbonate and dehydration score. The remaining studies provided low grade evidence of better or equivalent biochemical or blood gas outcomes when Plasma-Lyte was used as an alternative to 0.9 % NaCl. Limitations: Small number published studies, only two RCTs, only 1 peer reviewed publication. Conclusions: Plasma-Lyte is a licensed isotonic fluid that can be used for intravenous fluid maintenance, replacement and resuscitation in children and infants. It conforms to the 2015 The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on intravenous fluid therapy in children and young people in hospital. The limited published evidence available suggests that in children Plasma-Lyte is equivalent to
