RESUMO
The adult West African on intravenous fluid therapy requires 130 mmol of sodium, 50 mmol of potassium and 3L of water daily. At least 100g of glucose is usually provided. Three liters of Badoe's Maintenance Solution which contains 43.3 mmol of sodium of sodium, 16 mmol of potassium, 0.65 mmol of calcium, 9 mmol of bicarbonate, 51.7 mmol of chloride and 100g of sorbitol per litre, provides all the daily requirements of sodium, potassium and water. It also provides about 5000j of energy, nearly two-thirds of the resting energy expenditure. The trial in seven ill patients from the first day after operation has shown that the serum concentration of sodium and potassium and the urinary output of patients on 3L of Badoe's Maintenance Solution alone daily remain normal. Badoe's Maintenance solution is, therefore, recommended as the standard maintenance solution for patients in balance who need intravenous fluid therapy. It simplifies fluid therapy for medical and nursing staff as only one solution is used.