Efficacy of normal saline solution versus heparin solution for maintaining patency of peripheral intravenous

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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
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Published on: November 9, 2016

K LeDuc1

  • 1Emergency Department, Children's Hospital, Denver, Colorado, USA.

Journal of Emergency Nursing
|August 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Normal saline solution effectively maintains patency in pediatric peripheral intravenous devices, offering a safe and cost-effective alternative to heparin flushes. This approach reduces risks and saves significant nursing time and institutional costs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nursing
  • Intravenous Therapy
  • Pharmacoeconomics

Background:

  • Limited data exist on maintaining peripheral intermittent intravenous infusion devices (PIID) patency in pediatric patients.
  • Normal saline is commonly used in adults, but its efficacy in children requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of normal saline solution versus heparin flush in maintaining pediatric PIID patency.
  • To determine the cost-saving implications of using normal saline compared to heparin for PIID maintenance.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted.
  • 77 pediatric patients received heparin flushes (control), while 73 received normal saline flushes (experimental).
  • Standard hospital flushing protocols were followed.

Main Results:

  • No significant demographic or complication differences were observed between the groups.
  • Annual cost savings were estimated at $27,594, with savings of $9.45 per procedure.
  • Normal saline demonstrated comparable efficacy to heparin in maintaining device patency.

Conclusions:

  • Normal saline is an effective alternative to heparin for maintaining pediatric peripheral i.v. devices.
  • Using normal saline eliminates heparin-related risks and reduces infection potential.
  • Significant cost savings and decreased nursing time are realized, allowing for improved patient care.
Abstract

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