Blood viscosity during fluid infusion in the preterm infant.

Whole blood viscosity, haematocrit and plasma osmolality were measured in a group of preterm infants receiving a standard infusion (60 ml/kg/d) of 10,7% dextrose water with 4% sodium bicarbonate. There were no significant changes in the three parameters during the infusion period. It was concluded that although the infused solution was hypertonic, it did not result in a hyperviscous or hyperosmolar state.