Warmed Saline for Vaso-oclusive Episodes in Sickle Cell Disease

Investigators from the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, conducted a randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of warmed IV saline administered to children with vaso-occlusive episodes (VOE) and sickle cell disease (SCD). Children 4–21 years with known SCD who required treatment for uncomplicated VOE at Nationwide Children’s Hospital between November 2012 and June 2014 were eligible. VOE was defined as pain in the back, extremities, abdomen, or chest rated as >3 on the Wong-Baker FACES scale. Study patients were randomized to receive either IV saline warmed to 37.5°C (intervention) or at room temperature (22°C–24°C control). Children in both groups received a 20 ml/kg bolus of IV saline, then provided fluid at a maintenance rate. Patients …