A Canadian hospital trial evaluated the impact of lactated Ringer’s solution versus normal saline in IV therapy on patient outcomes, including mortality and readmission rates. Conducted across 7 hospitals from 2016 to 2020, it involved 43,626 patients, revealing no significant differences in composite outcomes, with mortality at 7% for lactated Ringer’s and 8% for saline. The trial faced challenges due to COVID-19 that prematurely limited its scope. Findings suggest balanced crystalloids may offer slight mortality benefits, consistent with meta-analytical evidence.

Source: The New England Journal of Medicine