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Blood viscosity during fluid infusion in the preterm infant
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|February 10, 1979
Summary
Infusing preterm infants with a hypertonic dextrose and sodium bicarbonate solution did not significantly alter blood viscosity, haematocrit, or plasma osmolality. The study found no adverse effects on these key physiological parameters during the infusion period.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Physiology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Preterm infants often require intravenous fluids for hydration and nutrition.
- Hypertonic solutions can potentially affect fluid balance and blood properties.
- The safety of specific hypertonic infusions in neonates needs careful evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a 10.7% dextrose water with 4% sodium bicarbonate infusion on blood viscosity, haematocrit, and plasma osmolality in preterm infants.
- To determine if this standard infusion leads to a hyperviscous or hyperosmolar state in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Whole blood viscosity, haematocrit, and plasma osmolality were measured.
- Measurements were taken in preterm infants receiving a standard infusion (60 ml/kg/d) of 10.7% dextrose water with 4% sodium bicarbonate.
Main Results:
- No significant changes were observed in whole blood viscosity during the infusion period.
- Haematocrit levels remained stable throughout the infusion.
- Plasma osmolality did not significantly change in the preterm infants receiving the infusion.
Conclusions:
- Despite being a hypertonic solution, the administered dextrose and sodium bicarbonate infusion did not induce a hyperviscous state in preterm infants.
- The infusion did not lead to a hyperosmolar state in the studied preterm infant population.
- The findings suggest that this specific hypertonic infusion is safe concerning blood viscosity and osmolality in preterm neonates.