K Armon1, A Riordan, S Playfor, G Millman, A Khader. 1. Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Colney Lane, Norwich, Norfolk NR4 7UY, UK. kate.armon@nnuh.nhs.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired hyponatraemia is associated with excessive volumes of hypotonic intravenous fluids and can cause death or permanent neurological deficit. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 17 hospitals on all children receiving intravenous fluids during 1 day of a specified week in December 2004. RESULTS: 77 of 99 children receiving intravenous fluids received hypotonic solutions and 38% received >105% of fluid requirements. 21 of 86 children were hyponatraemic, but the electrolytes of only 79% had been checked in the preceding 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous fluids should be used with caution as regards the tonicity and volume administered, and with appropriate monitoring of serum electrolytes.
BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired hyponatraemia is associated with excessive volumes of hypotonic intravenous fluids and can cause death or permanent neurological deficit. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 17 hospitals on all children receiving intravenous fluids during 1 day of a specified week in December 2004. RESULTS: 77 of 99 children receiving intravenous fluids received hypotonic solutions and 38% received >105% of fluid requirements. 21 of 86 children were hyponatraemic, but the electrolytes of only 79% had been checked in the preceding 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous fluids should be used with caution as regards the tonicity and volume administered, and with appropriate monitoring of serum electrolytes.
Authors: Francis Carandang; Andrew Anglemyer; Christopher A Longhurst; Gomathi Krishnan; Steven R Alexander; Madelyn Kahana; Scott M Sutherland Journal: J Pediatr Date: 2013-08-30 Impact factor: 4.406