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Continuous infusion versus intermittent flushing: maintaining peripheral intravenous access in newborn infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 36, pages 870–873 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

Objective:

To compare the patency duration of a peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) using either continuous infusion with 5% dextrose or intermittent flushing with 0.9% saline.

Study design:

Prospective comparative cohort study, including full-term newborn infants in whom PIVC were placed for the administration of antibiotics. In cohort 1 (n=48), 5% dextrose was infused at 3 ml h−1; in cohort 2 (n=50), the cannula was flushed six times daily with 2 ml 0.9% saline. Primary outcome was the duration of PIVC patency. Secondary outcomes included the occurrence of complications, time required by the nursing staff and the cost of materials.

Result:

Duration of PIVC patency was similar. However, significantly, more complications occurred in cohort 1 (P=0.02), and both cost and time were significantly lower in cohort 2 (P=0.001).

Conclusion:

Intermittent flushing and continuous infusion provide a similar duration of PIVC patency; however, intermittent flushing is associated with fewer complications, lower cost and reduced time.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr D Grootendorst (clinical epidemiologist at the Landsteiner Institute, Medical Center Haaglanden) for providing helpful advice during our study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Medical Center Haaglanden and Bronovo-Nebo, The Hague, The Netherlands

    D Stok & J W Wieringa

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  1. D Stok
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  2. J W Wieringa
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Correspondence to D Stok or J W Wieringa.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Stok, D., Wieringa, J. Continuous infusion versus intermittent flushing: maintaining peripheral intravenous access in newborn infants. J Perinatol 36, 870–873 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2016.94

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