Abstract
Objective
To develop a safe and accurate method for the administration in the neonatal intensive care unit of several potent medications as a continuous infusion without overloading the infant, especially the very low birth weight (VLBW) infant by diluents.
Method
The method designed is based on a weight-adapted solution limiting the diluent administration and allowing for a versatile modulation of dose administration. As this method was initially designed for VLBW infants, the point of departure of this method is a standard maximal fluid load of 0.3 ml/h for each medication, delivered in a low compliant circuit with a high-precision syringe driver. Solutions are made for 24 h, which is a compromise between drug stability and repeated pressure drops in the circuit when changing the syringe and administration set. To translate a prescription into a solution a conversion factor is calculated. In addition to the calculation principle, this conversion factor is given for a number of commonly used drugs in neonatal care.
Conclusions
In our experience, the method described adds to the safety and accuracy of continuous drug administration in neonatal care.
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Vanhole, C., Jannes, F., Vrancken, M. et al. Continuous infusion of medications in very low birth weight infants. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 60, 383–386 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-004-0768-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00228-004-0768-6