Temperature variation in the home setting: Implications for continuous ambulatory infusions

Janet K. Sluggett, Nicholas A. Sharley, Karen J. Reynolds, Andrew J. Sluggett

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Home infusion therapy is being increasingly utilised. Little is known about variation in the temperature of the infusion solution in the home and its effect on drug stability. Aim: To investigate temperature changes over a 24-h period during usual daily activities and assess the effect of ice packs on infusion solution temperature during storage at 25°C or 32°C. Method: Six healthy volunteers (without intravenous access) wore a waist pouch containing an elastomeric infuser for 24 h during autumn and recorded their daily activities. Infusion solution temperature and ambient temperature were measured every 10 min. In a separate experiment, an infuser was placed inside a waist pouch containing ice packs and ambient temperature was maintained at 25°C or 32°C for 24 h. Ice packs were replaced eight-hourly. The procedure was repeated twice at each temperature. Results: The mean temperature of the infusion solutions worn by volunteers ranged from 22.7°C (±3.5) to 27.9°C (±5.6), and the cumulative time exceeding 25°C ranged 6–20 h. The infusers stored in waist pouches with ice packs usually maintained a solution temperature below 20°C when stored at 25°C. Infusers stored at 32°C maintained a solution temperature greater than 20°C for up to 11 h. Conclusion: Infusion solutions may reach temperatures above 30°C in the home which should be considered when assessing patient suitability for home therapy. There is a need to assess drug stability at high temperatures and determine if exposure to high temperatures has a negative impact on therapeutic outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)431-437
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Pharmacy Practice and Research
Volume47
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Dec 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Drug stability
  • Hospital in the home
  • Infusion devices
  • Intravenous infusions
  • Temperature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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