Effect of fluids on life span of peripheral arterial lines

This study examines the effect of two different fluids to maintain peripheral arterial line patency at 1 to 2 ml/hr in a randomized controlled trial. Sixty sick newborn infants requiring ventilatory support and frequent blood gas monitoring were randomly assigned to receive either heparinized normal saline (HNS) or heparinized 5% dextrose water (HD5W) to maintain peripheral arterial line patency. One unit of heparin was added to each mililiter of both solutions. The duration of functional arterial lines, sodium balance, and number of peripheral punctures for blood glucose monitoring were compared using Student's t test for independent samples. HNS peripheral arterial catheters functioned significantly longer than HD5W without increased risk of hypernatremia. We conclude that HNS in arterial catheters is safe, lasts longer, and saves the infant (1500 gm or more) from the unnecessary stress of multiple peripheral punctures for blood glucose measurements, which can be obtained from the arterial catheter if glucose is not part of the infusate.