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Pattern of intravenous fluid use at the accident and emergency unit of a Nigerian tertiary hospital


EE Ehikhamenor
S Aghoghowa
CC Azodo

Abstract

Introduction: The location of University of Benin Teaching Hospital along the Nigerian part of the Trans-Sahara highway, makes it a favourable center, for classical emergencies. The pattern of utilization of intravenous fluid would provide a template for procurement and donation for the institution.
Objective: To assess the pattern of intravenous fluid use at the accident and emergency unit of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City from 2000 to 2006.
Methods: The stocking and utilization of intravenous fluid, was assessed retrospectively for over seven years. Data collected from pharmacy record archives were the type of intravenous fluid and quantity issued to patients within the stipulated study. The collated data was subjected to descriptive statistics and test of significance. P.0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The data showed that 0.9% normal saline was the most frequently (33.4%) utilized over the period of seven years. This was followed by dextrose water (24.6%), 5% dextrose saline (19.6%), Ringerfs lactate (9.2%), 10% dextrose water (8.7%), 4.3% dextrose saline (4.2%), 50% dextrose water (2.8%), 20% mannitol (0.8%), Isoplasma (0.4%), half strength Darrows (0.3%), Full Strength Darrows (0.3%) and 10% mannitol (0.2%). Using two-way analysis of variance, there was a significant difference among the intravenous infusion in stocking utilization and return to stock P<0.05
Conclusion: It is very important that preference is given in procurement of intravenous fluid inorder to meet demand and minimize waste. Donation of intravenous fluid to our accident and emergency unit should reflect this ratio, in such a supply, for optimum benefit.

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eISSN: 1596-6569