There is currently a shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on a major supplier’s manufacturing plant in North Carolina. This shortage is affecting health care systems nationwide, including Children’s Minnesota. To ensure that we can treat as many patients as we can in the safest way possible, we are making an effort to conserve products.
What fluids are affected?
This shortage is affecting both IV fluids that are being administered directly to help patients stay hydrated and the ones being used to mix with other medication that are delivered intravenously or through the veins.
Our conservation efforts
Like other health care systems, we are taking extra precautions to conserve our IV fluid supplies. This means that our team will be actively assessing each patient before initiating IV fluids and immediately discontinuing all non-essential use of IV fluids in the emergency department.
Questions and answers
We understand that this situation may raise concerns and questions from families about their child’s care. We hope the answers to the questions below help ease any concerns you may have, but as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s care team for more information.
Which children will get IVs?
During the shortage we will be prioritizing IV fluids for children who are critically ill or unable to drink fluids. For children that can drink on their own, oral hydration is actually safer and more effective. By making this temporary switch, it helps us conserve IV fluids for those who need them the most.
Isn’t an IV better for them? Will this harm their care?
In most cases, drinking fluids is just as effective for hydration as IV fluids and is the preferred method if the child can tolerate it. It is less invasive, and children often recover more comfortably without an IV.
What happens if my child can’t drink enough?
If your child struggles to drink enough fluids, we will monitor them closely. Should they become unable to stay hydrated, we will reassess and may use IV fluids or other methods to ensure they get the hydration they need.
How will you decide which children get IV fluids?
Our team will be deciding IV fluid use based on medical necessity. Children who are critically ill, severely dehydrated or unable to drink will be prioritized, ensuring that children with the most urgent needs receive the appropriate treatment first.
Is my child at risk because of this shortage?
Your child’s safety is our top priority. We will have protocols in place to ensure that every child receives the appropriate care, whether through oral hydration or, in cases of higher need, IV fluids.
How long will this last?
While the supplier is working hard to resume production, it may take a few months for the situation to stabilize. Starting conservation efforts now will ensure that we don’t run out of IV fluids while we’re waiting for more supplies.
Are elective procedures still happening?
Yes, we are currently continuing with all elective procedures. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation, and changes may occur at any time. Families will be notified of any changes.
For additional questions
For more information about how this may impact your child, please reach out to your child’s care team.
We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this critical time.
