16 Comments
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Dr Kuntla Suchitha's avatar

Beautiful explanations and references!

Ezhilkugan.G's avatar

Beautifully summarised and debunked the myths

Life on the Frontline's avatar

Thank you sir 😇

Mahima Reddy's avatar

Can D5 be used to make isotonic bicarb even if patient is hyperglycemic(RBS-400-500) or can NS be used instead?

Life on the Frontline's avatar

If patient is having high sugars you can use sterile water,

If you mix bicarb ampoules directly to NS it will still be hypertonic/hyperosmolar .

Mahima Reddy's avatar

If sterile water is not available?

Life on the Frontline's avatar

Half NS, but only in that case . You can mix such that effective osmolality is isotonic

Mahima Reddy's avatar

Okay 👍

Dr. Vignesh Apthi's avatar

To make isotonic Bicarb - 150ml bicarb with 1L D5. Effective volume is 1150ml or should with target for 1L of D5+bicarb. Or it doesn't matter?

Life on the Frontline's avatar

It is not 150 ml it is 150 MEq, it’s ml will be different based on concentration you used. So add 150 MEq in 1 l 5D.

Mahima Reddy's avatar

okay thank you sir. Can it be given by IO? and when we are giving it peripherally do we have to use lines that are proximal like we do for KCL?

Life on the Frontline's avatar

Both IO and distal peripheral lines are viable for bicarbonate administration in emergencies. IO access is rapid and effective, with minimal risk. Peripheral administration of hypertonic solutions is generally safe for short-term or bolus use, but continuous infusions increase minor complication risk. Isotonic bicarbonate is safer for peripheral routes. Careful monitoring and appropriate selection of route and solution type are essential to minimize complications

Mahima Reddy's avatar

What is preferred for Bicarb infusion -central or peripheral (is proximal line needed) , is IO route safe?

Life on the Frontline's avatar

Yes IO route is safe as of a peripheral line .

Life on the Frontline's avatar

Hypertonic bicarb if using for emergency bolus - use peripheral line ,

Otherwise hypertonic bicarb preferred through central line

Isotonic bicarb can be given in peripheral line safely