ABSTRACT

In patients with suspected acute hemorrhage in the emergency department, the first-line of treatment is intravenous fluid therapy. The most frequently used parameters to estimate the amount of hemorrhage and to plan the management are the vital signs, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) values. In this study, we aimed to define possible changes in the vital signs, Hb, and Hct values after intravenous infusion of 1 L normal saline in non-hemorrhagic patients to interpret the Hb and Hct values in hemorrhagic patients who receive the same treatment.

One hundred patients who presented to the emergency department of a training and research hospital between December 1 and 31, 2012, were included in the study. One liter of normal saline was given to patients who consented to participate in the study. The complete blood count parameters and vital signs were recorded before and after administration of saline.

Statistically significant decreases in pulse, systolic blood pressure, white blood cell count, Hb, and Hct values were observed after the administration of saline (p<0.001). The median Hb and Hct values decreased from 14.2 to 13 g/dL (p<0.001) and from 42.4% to 38.3% (p<0.001), respectively.

In the follow-up of patients who are given intravenous fluids, emergency department physicians should consider that some changes may occur in vital signs and complete blood count parameters due to hemodilution.

Keywords: Complete blood count, saline solution, vital signs