This pilot study aimed to collect high-quality randomized and prospective information to help plan a future, larger multicenter trial. The study will compare the two hypertonic solutions currently used for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) - related complications and to determine if the reduction of chloride load by using a sodium acetate and sodium chloride mixture can lead to a relative reduction of serum chloride, reduce kidney injury, and as efficacious as the classic hypertonic solution.~Hyperosmolar therapy is one of the mainstay treatments for SAH-related cerebral edema and vasospasm, in order to reduce delayed cerebral ischemia. Recent evidence from the literature correlates high chloride load when applying IV fluids with worse outcome in a variety of critically-ill patients. Hypertonic saline, with which most hyperosmolar treatment is done, contains a supra-physiologic chloride load. It is possible that by changing the hypertonic solution to a chloride-lean one, the study team would be able to reduce the side effects of hypertonic sodium-chloride without losing its efficacy in treating SAH-related complications.
This pilot study will compare the two hypertonic solutions currently used for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) - related complications and to determine if the reduction of chloride load is safer, and as efficacious as the classic hypertonic solution.