Objectives: To determine common practice for fluid management after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease among pediatric cardiac intensivists. Design: A survey consisting of 17 questions about fluid management practices after pediatric cardiac surgery. Distribution was done by email, social media, World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies website, and World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies newsletter using the electronic survey distribution and collection system Research Electronic Data Capture. Setting: PICUs around the world. Subjects: Pediatric intensivists managing children after surgery for congenital heart disease. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: One-hundred eight responses from 18 countries and six continents were received. The most common prescribed fluids for IV maintenance are isotonic solutions, mainly NaCl 0.9% (42%); followed by hypotonic fluids (33%) and balanced crystalloids solutions (14%). The majority of the respondents limit total fluid intake to 50% during the first 24 hours after cardiac surgery. The most frequently used fluid as first choice for resuscitation is NaCl 0.9% (44%), the second most frequent choice are colloids (27%). Furthermore, 64% of respondents switch to a second fluid for ongoing resuscitation, 76% of these choose a colloid. Albumin 5% is the most commonly used colloid (61%). Almost all respondents (96%) agree there is a need for research on this topic. Conclusions: Our survey demonstrates great variation in fluid management practices, not only for maintenance fluids but also for volume resuscitation. Despite the lack of evidence, colloids are frequently administered. The results highlight the need for further research and evidence-based guidelines on this topic.

In our study, the use of albumin 5% for resuscitation after cardiac surgery was not associated with less fluid intake but rather the opposite. Albumin administration did not provide measured clinical benefit while exposing children to side effects and generating higher costs to the healthcare system.

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