Posted on 09/14/2024 2:36:36 PM PDT by ConservativeMind
Sickle cell disease is a common genetic disorder characterized by periodic occurrences of pain that occur repeatedly throughout life. These episodes, referred to as vaso-occlusive episodes, happen when sickled cells obstruct blood vessels. The degree of pain may range from a mild discomfort to a severe disabling pain for which the person needs treatment in hospital.
A new study has found that hospital-admitted patients who received the fluid Lactated Ringer's, a solution used to replace water and electrolyte loss in patients with low blood volume or low blood pressure, rather than normal saline, had shorter hospital lengths of stay, fewer readmissions to the hospital, and fewer days of intravenous opioid medications for pain control.
"Currently, patients with sickle cell disease who are admitted to the hospital for vaso-occlusive pain episodes usually receive normal saline and clinical decision support tools presently recommend normal saline. However, our results call these recommendations and current practice into question," says Nicholas Bosch MD, MSc.
Researchers used a large database that included patient data from more than 1,000 U.S. hospitals. They identified patients with sickle cell disease and vaso-occlusive pain episodes who started on Lactated Ringer's solution or normal saline on the first day of hospitalization. They then used machine learning models to compare the rates of outcomes between the two.
They found those who were given Lactated Ringer's had more hospital-free days, shorter hospital length of stay and a lower 30-day readmission risk compared to those who received normal saline.
According to the researchers, patients with sickle cell disease admitted with vaso-occlusive episodes are high utilizers of inpatient medical services and have frequent readmissions for additional care.
"Our results provide strong evidence that a change in standard practice is needed," adds Bosch.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
Doctors won’t yet know this, so please consider informing your doctor about this, if in need.
“Roger 51, administer 50mg IV D5W ringers lactate and transport as soon as possible.”
Somehow, the answer to every paramedic call was to administer ringer’s lactate, on the old show, “Emergency!”
Well, it was TKO but the docs seldom said it (seems like Joe used it more than Kel, but it’s been a couple of years since we binged the series).
I remember that as well! :)
My wife worked as an RN in Saudi Arabia for a couple of years, and the Saudis also suffer from sickle cell. Their answer to these outbreaks of pain? MORPHINE! They just show up at the ER claiming bad sickle cell pain, and BOOM, they shoot em up.
And the government pays for it! So, as you can CLEARLY see, Saudi Arabia doesn’t have a drug problem.
I graduated nursing school in ‘83 and was taught Ringer’s Lactate should be used for this. How are they “discovering” this now?!
Many, many moons ago, I read that people with sickle cell anemia can fight off, have an easier time with malaria. There is a purpose for everything under the Sun.
First thing I thought of.
Loved that show, a couple years ago it was on in re-runs here.
What’s the difference between Ringers lactate and normal saline?
Okay I’ll bite...
Is Lactated Ringer’s solution fluid leaded from the breast of someone buried alive?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.