Table 1.
Sliding-scale fluid prescription given to the parents to adjust daily fluid prescription according to the home blood sodium result
| Blood Sodium (mmol/L) | Daily Fluid Prescription (mls)* | |
|---|---|---|
| Below 130 |
100 |
Telephone and go to ED for assessment |
| 130-134 |
500 |
Repeat sodium level before PM dose |
| 135-139 |
800 |
Repeat sodium level before PM dose |
| 140-145 |
1,200 |
Sodium is in target range |
| 146-150 |
1,350 |
Repeat sodium level before PM dose |
| 151-155 |
1,500 |
Repeat sodium level before PM dose |
| Over 155 | 1,800 | Telephone and go to ED for assessment |
Parents were instructed to telephone the Paediatric Endocrine department and attend the emergency department (ED) if levels were below 130 or over 150 mmol/L.
*The fluid prescription is based on 1,200 ml maintenance fluids, with additions or subtractions based on the formula for calculating water deficit in ml (600 × wt(kg) × (1-target [Na]/measured [Na]). If the sodium is >150 mmol/L, the extra fluid above maintenance has been reduced by 25% to avoid excessively rapid correction.