The aim of PLUS is to conduct a multi-centre, blinded, randomised, controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether fluid resuscitation and therapy with a "balanced" crystalloid solution (Plasma-Lyte 148®) decreases 90-day mortality in critically ill patients requiring fluid resuscitation when compared with the same treatment using 0.9% sodium chloride (saline)
Fluid resuscitation is a fundamental component of the management of acutely and critically ill patients and the choice of fluid is a longstanding issue of debate. Worldwide, 0.9% saline has traditionally been the most widely used resuscitation fluid, however its use is increasingly challenged by emerging evidence that suggests its high chloride content may have clinically important adverse effects and that resuscitation with so-called "balanced" or "buffered" crystalloids (such as Plasma-Lyte 148®) offer patients better outcomes. Given the limitations of current evidence, there is now a scientific, ethical and health economic imperative to provide an accurate and reliable estimate of the comparative risks versus benefit of Plasma-Lyte 148® versus 0.9% saline. The PLUS study is a prospective, multi-centre, parallel group, concealed, blinded, randomised, controlled trial. The study will test the hypothesis that in a heterogeneous population of critically ill adults, random assignment to Plasma-Lyte 148® for intravascular volume resuscitation and crystalloid fluid therapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) results in different 90-day all-cause mortality when compared with random assignment to 0.9% sodium chloride (saline) for the same treatment. Each patient who meets all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria will be randomised to receive either Plasma-Lyte 148® or 0.9% saline for all resuscitation episodes and for all compatible crystalloid therapy while in ICU for up to 90 days after randomisation. Other crystalloid fluids may be used as carrier fluids for the infusion of any drug for which either Plasma-Lyte 148® or 0.9% saline is considered incompatible.The study treatments will be supplied in identical 1000 ml bags and treatment assignment will be concealed. The volume of study fluid being administered will be titrated against clinical endpoints determined by the treating clinicians and reviewed as clinically appropriate during the period of resuscitation and ICU treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
5,037
Plasma-Lyte 148 (approx pH 7.4) IV infusion is a sterile, clear nonpyrogenic isotonic solution \& when administered intravenously it is a source of water, electrolytes \& calories. Plasma-Lyte 148 intravenous infusion is indicated as a source of water \& electrolytes or as an alkalinising agent.
The active ingredient is sodium chloride formulated in Water for Injections. The chemical name is sodium chloride with molecular formula NaCl. Sodium Chloride (0.9%) intravenous infusion preparation is a sterile \& non-pyrogenic solution \& is indicated for extracellular fluid replacement \& in the management of metabolic alkalosis in the presence of fluid loss, \& for restoring or maintaining the concentration of sodium \& chloride ions. As sodium chloride intravenous infusion is administered to the systemic circulation by intravenous infusion, the bioavailability (absorption) of the active components is complete (100 per cent).
Death from all causes
Time frame: At 90 days after randomisation
Mean and peak serum creatinine concentration
Time frame: First seven days
ICU, hospital and 28 day all-cause mortality
Time frame: 28 days and 6 months after randomisation
Duration of ICU stay
Time frame: 28 days and 90 days after randomisation
Duration of Hospital stay
Time frame: 28 days and 90 days after randomisation
Proportion of patients newly treated with renal replacement therapy
Time frame: up to 90 days after randomisation.
Duration of mechanical ventilation in ICU
Time frame: 90 days after randomisation
Proportion of patients treated with and duration of treatment with vasoactive drugs
Time frame: 90 days after randomisation
Quality of life assessment using the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire
Time frame: At 6 months after randomisation
Maximum post-randomisation increase in serum creatinine in ICU during the index hospital admission.
Time frame: 90 days after randomisation
Healthcare services usage during the six months after randomisation by healthcare record linkage using state and national data linkage units
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Blacktown Hospital
Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
The Sutherland Hospital
Caringbah, New South Wales, Australia
Concord Repatriation General Hospital
Concord, New South Wales, Australia
Gosford Hospital
Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital
Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia
St George Hospital
Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
Liverpool Hospital
Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
Nepean
Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Royal North Shore Hospital
St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
...and 41 more locations
Time frame: During the six months after randomisation