The physiological saline market is expected to grow from US$ 5,522.17 million in 2022 to US$ 9,057.04 million by 2030; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2030.

The rising prevalence of serious illnesses and fluid electrolyte disorders and the surging demand for fluid electrolytes in the elderly population are a few factors driving the growth of the physiological saline market.

A physiological saline solution is composed of isotonic salt solutions with the same pH. An example of a physiological saline solution is Ringer's solution, composed of a mixture of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride solution. A physician recommends administering a physiological solution to treat cases of dehydration, fluid imbalance, and other similar clinical abnormalities.

Rising Prevalence of Serious Illnesses and Fluid Electrolyte Disorders Propels Physiological Saline Market

People with serious illnesses often experience a profound loss of independence, time, and capabilities. The emotional, physical, and financial toll can be life-altering for people suffering from distress in addition to physical symptoms with specific mental conditions. According to statistics revealed by the Commonwealth Fund report, 62% of people with serious illness experience anxiousness, confusion, or helplessness. 48% have emotional or psychological problems caused by the condition, and 32% report feeling left out, lacking companionship, and isolated from others. A report by the National Health Council reveals that incurable and ongoing chronic diseases affect nearly 133 million Americans, which represents more than 40% of the total population of the country. Among these, almost 50% of all adults and 8% of children aged 5-17 have a chronic condition. The National Health Council's report also mentions that the increasing cases of incurable chronic diseases among Americans result in ~75% of the healthcare costs.

Serious illnesses result in an imbalance in body fluids, such as low potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium levels. Improper levels of body fluids negatively impact the body's function, muscle strength, and heart rhythm, which is associated with disorders of the kidneys or endocrine glands. For example, edema occurs when the body retains excessive fluid levels, resulting in swelling and pain in patients' face, arms, legs, hands, and feet. Further, losing more body fluids than consumed quantities results in dehydration, eventually leading to symptoms such as thirst, weakness, lightheadedness, fainting, and decreased urine output among patients. Therefore, chronic illnesses may result in body fluid imbalance in the patient's body, which propels the demand for physiological saline administered as a part of their treatment. Thus, the rising prevalence of serious illnesses and fluid electrolyte disorders bolsters the physiological saline market growth.

Market Trend

Large-Scale Saline Solution Requirements in Hospital Settings

According to a report published by the Royal Society of Chemistry, using saline solution to wash red blood cells (RBCs) and treat critically ill patients is a common practice in hospitals. Clinical research groups have reviewed the safety of using physiological saline (0.9% NaCl) in different clinical settings and suggested that using saline solution is one of the safest techniques in hospital settings. For example, in transfusion medicine, saline solution is used for washing cells and salvaging procedures in cases of apheresis and the resuscitation of patients with blood or fluid loss. Washing of RBCs requires 1-2 L of sterile saline solution. In the apheresis procedure, saline solution is used in therapeutic plasma exchange procedures and intra-operative cell salvaging to wash RBCs. Therefore, the multifaceted application of physiological saline on large scales in hospital settings will likely emerge as a new trend in the physiological saline market.

Type-Based Insights

The physiological saline market, by type, is segmented into normal saline, hypertonic saline, hypotonic saline, and balanced saline. The normal saline segment held the largest market share in 2022; the hypertonic saline segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during 2022-2030. Normal saline (NS) comprises a sterile salt solution used for short-term fluid replacement, as it helps restore electrolyte/salt levels in the body. It is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution intended to treat dehydration and electrolyte disturbances among people. NS is a cornerstone of intravenous solutions commonly used in clinical settings. It is suitable for both pediatric and adult patient populations. Primary indications for the use of NS solutions approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are mentioned below:

- Extracellular fluid replacement to treat dehydration, hypovolemia, hemorrhage, sepsis, etc.

- Treatment of metabolic alkalosis in the presence of fluid loss

- Mild sodium depletion

Further, NS can only be administered through intravenous access, and normal saline management requires evaluating the patient's health status. Pharmacists need to monitor the implementation of IV fluids while installing them in hospitals.

Application-Based Insights

The physiological saline market, by application, is segmented as intravenous, ophthalmology, wound care, endoscopy, skin abrasion, and others. The intravenous segment held the largest market share in 2022. It is further anticipated that the highest CAGR will be registered between 2022 and 2030. Intravenous (IV) saline solutions are formulated to prevent or treat dehydration. Physicians prescribe IV saline for injured, sick, dehydrated, or undergoing surgery, irrespective of age. Saline IV bags provide a rapid, targeted solution to replenish fluids and relieve symptoms. Furthermore, a combination of sterile water and sodium chloride, or salt and normal saline IVs, helps restore fluid balance and hydrate tissues among patients. IV saline is commonly administered directly into patients' bloodstreams when they require hydration. It is suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities to specific medications.

Various companies offer innovative IV saline products; for example, Fresenius Kabi USA offers "freeflex" and "freeflex+ IV bags." These products also provide leak prevention, sterility protection, and needle-stick prevention.