Book excerpt: The administration of intravenous fluids is one of the most common and important therapeutic practices in the treatment of surgical, medical and critically ill patients. The international literature accordingly contains a vast number of works on fluid management, yet there is still confusion as to the best options in the various situations encountered in clinical practice. The purpose of this volume is to help the decision-making process by comparing different solution properties describing their indications, mechanisms of action and side-effects according to physiologic body water distribution, electrolytic and acid-base balance, and to clarify which products available on the market represent the best choice in different circumstances. The book opens by discussing in detail the concepts central to a sound understanding of abnormalities in fluid and electrolyte homeostasis and the effect of intravenous fluid administration. In the second part of the monograph, these concepts are used to explain the advantages and disadvantages of solutions available on the market in different clinical settings. Body Fluid Management: From Physiology to Therapy will serve as an invaluable decision-making guide, including for those who are not experts in the subject.