Why 20cc/kg?

Started by spoonfats
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spoonfats

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20+ Year Member
I have been asked the question by an attending; why in peds do we always start with 20cc/kg of IV fluid for a bolus? I think he is looking for some specific reason, but I can't figure it other than that you're replacing 2% dehydration, which is a good small amount to start with. Anybody know why specifically we use 20? Thanks!

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Actually, after just taking PALS early this month, it appears they are kind of getting away from this in certain situations. I think most people will start advocating smaller boluses (i.e. 5-10 cc/kg) at a time and see the response. Especially if you are concerned about some sort of cardiogenic shock.

But as to the number 20 cc/kg who knows. Hey, why do we treat most things for 5, 7, 10, or 14 days with antibiotics? How come nobody ever says 6 or 8? Probably because these numbers are entrenched. 5 - standard work week. 7 - one week. 10 - nice round nubmer. 14 - 2 weeks.
 
EMIMG said:
Hey, why do we treat most things for 5, 7, 10, or 14 days with antibiotics? How come nobody ever says 6 or 8? Probably because these numbers are entrenched. 5 - standard work week. 7 - one week. 10 - nice round nubmer. 14 - 2 weeks.


I thought antibiotic days were based on possible Football scores and their multiples:

3 days = field goal
7 days = TD w/ PAT
10 days ... well you get the point.