Facing the Shortage of IV Fluids — A Hospital-Based Oral Rehydration Strategy

• 2024

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• Andrés Patiño; Regan Marsh; Eric Nilles; Christopher Baugh; Shada Rouhani; Stephanie Kayden
PMID: 29561701DOI: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmp1801772

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This article focuses on a strategy to address the shortage of IV fluids in U.S. hospitals after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, where many IV bags are made. It suggests using oral rehydration for patients with mild dehydration instead of IV fluids. The protocol includes giving patients flavored drinks and tracking their intake to ensure proper hydration. Oral rehydration is cheaper and can be as effective as IV therapy for some conditions, helping reduce hospital stays and costs while maintaining patient care during shortages.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Everyday Emergency; Infrastructure Failure

Audiences: Emergency Managers; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Response

Keywords: Clinical Protocols; Dehydration; Fluid Therapy; Hospitals; Infusions, Intravenous; Rehydration Solutions; Sodium Chloride; Emergency Service, Hospital

Institutions: Massachusetts General Hospital; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard University; Partners in Health

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