Maji: a new tool to prevent overhydration of children receiving intravenous fluid therapy in low-resource settings

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Pediatric Nursing
• Medical Device Development

Background:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy is critical for pediatric care, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Overhydration is a significant risk in children receiving IV fluids due to the lack of precise volume control devices like burettes or electronic infusion pumps.
• Clinicians require accessible tools to manage IV fluid administration accurately in resource-limited pediatric settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel mechanical device for regulating fluid volume during intravenous drip therapy.
• To assess the accuracy and usability of this device for preventing overhydration in pediatric patients.
• To provide a solution for accurate IV fluid management in settings lacking advanced infusion technology.

Main Methods:

• A mechanical fluid regulation system was designed for compatibility with standard IV bags.
• The device limits dispensed volume to a preset, adjustable amount (in 50 mL increments).
• Laboratory testing evaluated accuracy across various flow rates, initial bag volumes, and target volumes.

Main Results:

• The device demonstrated laboratory accuracy within 12.0 mL of the target volume across tested conditions.
• Ease of use was rated as "excellent," with a mean System Usability Scale score of 84.4/100.
• The device effectively limits dispensed IV fluid volume.

Conclusions:

• The developed mechanical device accurately and reliably regulates IV fluid volume.
• Its excellent usability and accuracy make it a valuable tool for preventing pediatric overhydration in resource-limited environments.
• This innovation has the potential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with IV fluid therapy complications.