Balanced solutions with low chloride concentration could represent an alternative to high chloride concentration solutions. Such balanced solutions contain other acid as buffers (i.e. acetate and/or gluconate). However, acetate has been associated with alteration of cardiac function when used as buffer in dialysate when high acetate concentrations are used and could promote the development of metabolic acidosis if it accumulates. Therefore, the safety of such solutions remains poorly explored. Because critically ill patients receive large amount of fluid during the early phase of resuscitation, large amount of acetate are to be administrated if such solutions are used. While acetate-containing solutions have been suggested to be safe in this setting, studies are still lacking regarding clearance and accumulation in critically ill patients.