Intravenous (IV) fluids - infants

IV fluids are given into the veins of babies who are too sick to get all of their feedings and fluids by mouth.

WHY ARE IV FLUIDS USED?

Babies must have sugar (glucose), water, and energy to survive. Usually IVFs are sugar solutions with a mixture of salts. A special type of IVF is called total parenteral nutrition (TPN); this is a mixture of sugar, salts, plus protein, vitamins, minerals, and often fats. TPN can provide a better level of nutrition to the sick newborn than regular IVF.

HOW ARE IV FLUIDS GIVEN?

Intravenous lines are often placed into a vein in the hand, foot, or scalp of the baby. The belly button also has a large vessel (umbilical vein or UV) that may be used for IVF. Sometimes a large IV called a central line or PICC line is placed by sterile technique or by surgery to provide long-term, highly concentrated IVF.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A IVF?

Babies have certain requirements for glucose, salts, and other nutrients that must be closely monitored. Blood tests guide the doctor into adjustments that may be needed in the baby's IVF delivery. Frequent problems that must be managed include low and high blood sugars, salts, and inadequate nutrition. TPN is used to provide a higher level of nutrition, but prolonged used may lead to problems with liver function.

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