Safety of Peripheral Administration of 3% Hypertonic Saline in Critically Ill Patients: A Literature Review.

Background: Hyponatremia and neurocritical injury are life-threatening conditions requiring immediate management with consideration of the safety concerns related to peripheral intravenous administration of hypertonic solutions. Although a central intravenous catheter is the preferred route of administration, central intravenous catheters have many complications and can potentially delay medication administration in urgent situations.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous infusion of 3% hypertonic saline via peripheral intravenous administration in critically ill adult patients.