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Treatment and the treatment process

Intravenous fluids

Intravenous (IV) fluids are solutions of water, salts and sugar dripped into a vein. They are used very often in leukemia treatment.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, a clear drip chamber with a single drop falling, lit in teal and gold.
Figure 1.Fluid from the drip goes straight into the blood.

01Short answer

IV fluids deliver water and electrolytes straight into the blood. In leukemia treatment they are given for several reasons: to protect the kidneys and prevent tumour lysis syndrome during chemotherapy ("hydration"), to replace losses from vomiting, diarrhoea or drinking too little, to correct electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium, and to dissolve and carry medicines. The main types are crystalloids — saline (sodium chloride), balanced solutions and glucose solutions; colloids such as albumin are used less often. The doctor prescribes the type, volume and speed according to blood tests, weight, and heart and kidney function.

02Simple explanation

Straight into the blood. Fluid enters a vein through a peripheral or central line.

The aim. Replace water and salts and protect the kidneys.

Precision. A pump gives the fluid at the right speed.

Checks. Weight, urine and blood tests are reviewed regularly.

03Scientific explanation

Crystalloids: isotonic sodium chloride and balanced solutions (such as lactated Ringer’s) fill the extracellular space, while glucose solutions spread through all compartments like water.

Hyperhydration: when tumour lysis risk is high, and with some drugs (such as high-dose methotrexate), fluid is given intensively to increase urine flow; with methotrexate the urine sometimes needs to be made alkaline.

Risks: fluid overload (swelling, fluid on the lungs, especially in heart failure), electrolyte problems (hyponatraemia, hyperchloraemia), and line-related infection and thrombosis. This is why guidance such as NICE advises reassessing fluid needs every day.

04What happens in the body?

How does the fluid go in?

Fluid passes from the drip chamber through the line into a vein and then around the body. A pump or drip counter controls the speed.

What happens in the blood?

Water and salts join the circulation, supporting blood volume and kidney function. The kidneys remove extra fluid as urine.

A vein drawn as a river of light, joined by glowing particles of water and salts.
Figure 2.Water and salts join the bloodstream.

The pump and safety

If the infusion pump beeps, don’t worry — it usually means air in the line, a kink or an empty bag. Call the nurse.

An infusion pump with a softly glowing blank screen on a pole beside an empty hospital bed at dusk.
Figure 3.An infusion pump gives fluid at an exact speed.

05How an infusion is given

A simplified outline.

Prescription — Type, volume and speed.1PrescriptionType, volume and speed.
Line check — Catheter and connections.2Line checkCatheter and connections.
Infusion — Controlled by a pump.3InfusionControlled by a pump.
Reassessment — Weight, urine, blood tests.4ReassessmentWeight, urine, blood tests.
Kidneys protectedUrine flow supported.
Balance restoredWater and salts.
Daily reviewThe plan may change.

06Main types of IV fluid

TypeExampleUsually for
Isotonic salineSodium chlorideVolume replacement, hydration
Balanced solutionLactated Ringer’s and similarVolume replacement
Glucose solutionDextroseWater needs, sugar support
Fluids with additivesAdded potassium or magnesiumCorrecting electrolytes
ColloidsAlbuminSpecial situations

* Only your treating team chooses the type, volume and speed of fluid.

07Key terms

IV (intravenous)
Given into a vein.
Crystalloid
A solution of water and small-molecule salts.
Hydration
Giving the body extra fluid.
Infusion pump
A device that delivers fluid at an exact speed.
Fluid overload
Too much fluid building up in the body.
Extravasation
Fluid leaking from the vein into surrounding tissue.

08Key points

  • IV fluids are very common in leukemia treatment.
  • They protect the kidneys and replace losses.
  • The doctor chooses type and volume for you.
  • Never change the pump speed yourself.
  • Keep an eye on the line site.
  • Report swelling or breathlessness straight away.

09Frequently asked questions

Why am I given so much fluid?

With some chemotherapy and when tumour lysis risk is high, urine flow is increased to protect the kidneys.

Is it normal to pass urine often at night?

Yes, with intensive hydration this is expected; you may be asked to measure your urine.

The pump is beeping — what should I do?

Call the nurse; don’t open or disconnect anything yourself.

Can drinking replace the drip?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no — your team decides based on your condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Why am I given so much fluid?

  2. Is it normal to pass urine often at night?

  3. The pump is beeping — what should I do?

  4. Can drinking replace the drip?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Intravenous
  2. MedlinePlus. IV treatment at home
  3. NICE. Having IV fluid therapy (Intravenous fluid therapy in adults in hospital)
  4. MedlinePlus. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
  5. NHS. Treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Other Myeloid Malignancies Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  7. Children’s Oncology Group. Long-Term Follow-Up Guidelines for Survivors of Childhood, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: tumor lysis syndrome
  9. American Cancer Society. Second Opinions for Cancer Treatment
  10. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018. Fertility Preservation in Patients With Cancer: ASCO Clinical Practice Guideline Update
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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