Perfil de seguridad y normalización de la glicemia de la infusión periférica de dextrosa al 14 %: estudio observacional prospectivo

Neonatal hypoglycemia is the leading cause of hospitalization in newborns. The objective of this study was to describe the effect of peripheral infusion of 14% dextrose on normalizing blood glucose and its safety profile. A prospective, single-cohort study was conducted, including episodes of 14% dextrose infusion through a peripheral catheter. A total of 92 infusion episodes in 40 patients were evaluated. The success rate was 97%. 59% required catheter removal: 32% due to infiltration, 25% due to dysfunction, and 3% due to phlebitis. The incidence density of phlebitis was 25 episodes/1000 catheter days. All cases occurred in patients weighing between 1,500 to 2,500 grams, with an incidence of 9.7%, compared to 3% in the total population. The incidence of phlebitis in full-term newborns was 2.4%, compared to 15% in premature infants. In those receiving other medications, the incidence of phlebitis was 6.6%, compared with 2.6% in the group that did not receive other medications, with an incidence ratio of 2.56. Catheter location did not affect the incidence of phlebitis. Peripheral infusion of 14% dextrose was shown to be effective in normalizing blood glucose, with a lower incidence of phlebitis than reported in the literature. Prematurity, low birth weight, and the administration of other medications are associated with a higher incidence of phlebitis.