ABSTRACT
AIM: To establish whether peripheral intravenous 20% glucose solutions would cause less local irritation, fewer cannulation changes and less weight gain than 15% glucose in newborn infants. METHODS: A total of 121 newborn infants with hypoglycemia were randomized to receive either 20% (group 20%, 60 infants) or 15% (group 15%, 61 infants) glucose infusions, which were initiated at 8 mg/kg/min rates and tapered according to the blood glucose levels. When the cannulation site had to be changed, signs of phlebitis at the previous cannulation site were scored (0-3). Number of cannulation site changes, durations of infusions and the infants' daily weights were recorded. RESULTS: The median durations of infusions in groups 20 and 15% were 4 (range 2-7) days versus 4 (range 2-8) days and the median number of cannulation site changes were 1 (range 0-6) versus 1 (range 0-5), respectively. Thirty-six infants in group 20% and 37 in group 15% developed some phlebitis, median severity scores being 1 (range 0-7) versus 15% 1 (range 0-8). The weights during the treatment were also similar. CONCLUSION: 20% and 15% glucose solutions can be infused equally safely into peripheral veins in neonates.
