Fluid therapy using a balanced crystalloid solution and acid-base stability after cardiac surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of fluid therapy using Accusol (Baxter Healthcare, McGaw Park, Ill, USA), a crystalloid solution containing sodium bicarbonate and other electrolytes and having a strong ion difference of 35 mEq/L, on acid-base stability after cardiac surgery.

Design: Retrospective per-protocol comparison.

Setting: Intensive care unit of St Vincent's Hospital, a teaching hospital in Melbourne, Australia.