What is the rate and volume of 10% dextrose to administer 0.5 grams per kilogram over 30 minutes to a 5-kilogram baby?

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From the FDA Drug Label

For peripheral vein administration: Injection of the solution should be made slowly. The maximum rate at which dextrose can be infused without producing glycosuria is 0.5 g/kg of body weight/hour.

To administer 0.5 grams per kilogram over 30 minutes to a 5-kilogram baby, we need to calculate the total dose and the rate of administration.

  • The total dose is 0.5 g/kg x 5 kg = 2.5 grams.
  • Since this dose needs to be administered over 30 minutes, we calculate the rate as follows: 2.5 grams / 0.5 hours (30 minutes) = 5 grams/hour.
  • However, the label states that the maximum rate at which dextrose can be infused without producing glycosuria is 0.5 g/kg of body weight/hour, which for a 5-kilogram baby is 0.5 g/kg x 5 kg = 2.5 grams/hour.
  • Given that the required rate (5 grams/hour) exceeds the recommended maximum rate (2.5 grams/hour), the administration as requested is not supported by the label.
  • The volume of 10% dextrose solution to administer 2.5 grams of dextrose can be calculated as follows: 2.5 grams / 0.1 g/mL (10% solution) = 25 mL.
  • To administer this volume over 30 minutes, the rate would be 25 mL / 0.5 hours = 50 mL/hour. Given the information and the need to adhere to the maximum recommended rate to avoid glycosuria, the administration should be adjusted to not exceed 0.5 g/kg/hour for a 5-kilogram baby, which translates to 2.5 grams/hour or 25 mL/hour of 10% dextrose solution, assuming the solution's density is approximately 1 g/mL. 1

From the Research

Calculation of Dextrose Administration

To calculate the rate and volume of 10% dextrose to administer 0.5 grams per kilogram over 30 minutes to a 5-kilogram baby, we need to follow these steps:

  • Calculate the total dose of dextrose required: 0.5 grams per kilogram x 5 kilograms = 2.5 grams
  • Calculate the volume of 10% dextrose solution required: 2.5 grams / 0.1 grams per milliliter (10% solution) = 25 milliliters
  • Calculate the rate of administration: 25 milliliters / 30 minutes = 0.83 milliliters per minute

Relevance of Provided Studies

The provided study 2 does not provide relevant information for calculating the rate and volume of 10% dextrose administration. The study focuses on the effectiveness of mannitol in treating acute traumatic brain injury, which is not related to the administration of dextrose. Therefore, the calculation is based on general mathematical principles rather than specific evidence from the provided study.

References

Research

Mannitol for acute traumatic brain injury.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2005

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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