What I'd like to do over the next 15 minutes is to give you a brief overview of the history and rationale behind the development of balanced solutions.

My name is Dr. Pietro Caioni, and I'm an intensivist working in an ICU in Milan, Italy.

In my presentation, I focused on two key aspects:

1. The impact of balanced solutions on acid-base equilibrium—a critical factor in maintaining physiological stability in critically ill patients.

2. More recently, the role of balanced solutions in minimizing fluctuations in chloride levels, which has become a central aim of fluid therapy as we recognize the harmful effects of hyperchloremia on kidney function and overall patient outcomes.

I believe this is a fantastic event—exceptionally well organized with a rich and relevant scientific program. The organizers have done an excellent job bringing together many of the leading experts in fluid therapy, which, in my opinion, is one of the most crucial aspects of daily clinical practice in intensive care.