Lima MF, et al. - Whether balanced crystalloids vs 0.9% saline solutions induce less chloride and metabolic derangements in children undergoing brain tumor resection, was investigated. Researchers performed analyses in 53 patients (age range, 6 mo to 12 y) who randomly received balanced crystalloid (balanced group) or 0.9% saline solution (saline group) during and after (for 24 h) brain tumor resection, to determine serum electrolyte and arterial blood gas values. These subjects were examined at the beginning of surgery (baseline), after surgery, and at postoperative day 1. In this patient population, increased variation in serum chloride was observed with saline infusion vs balanced crystalloid. Also, saline use vs balanced crystalloid use led to increased _post-preopΔBE (base excess) and hyperchloremic acidosis incidence. Overall, the use of balanced crystalloid solutions in this patient population was supported.