Insulin concentration(s) for diabetic ketoacidosis management in pediatrics

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Wed, 01/15/2020 - 08:12
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Ghadeer Banasser
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Joined: 11/22/2016 - 16:32
Insulin concentration(s) for diabetic ketoacidosis management in pediatrics

Hello All,

I would like to inquire about insulin intravenous infusion concentration(s) that you are using at your facilities for diabetic ketoacidosis management in pediatrics. We had a discussion at our organization about utilizing the ASHP Standardize 4 Safety Proposed Standard Concentrations for Pediatric IV Continuous infusion which calls for 0.05, 0.2, and 1 unit/mL.

Insulin dosing in the pediatric population, as per existing evidence and guidelines, is 0.1 unit/kg/hr. It would be easier for prescribers to calculate the infused volume if preparing 0.1 or 1 unit/mL insulin infusion concentrations, which we are currently utilizing.

We were proposing though to switch to 0.2 and 1 unit/mL insulin infusion concentrations instead, so standard and maximum concentrations are NOT differ by a factor of 10, as recommended by the ISMP Medication Safety Self Assessment ® for High-Alert Medications.

Is this an issue at your facilities, especially those utilizing smart pumps?

Appreciate your input!

Ghadeer Banasser

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