The current evidence base for the feasibility of 48-hour continuous subcutaneous infusions (CSCIs): A systematically-structured review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A continuous subcutaneous infusion (CSCI) is an effective method of multiple drug administration commonly encountered in end of life care when the oral route is compromised. At present, current practice is to limit syringe driver infusion time to a maximum of 24 hours as dictated by available chemical stability data. However, the ability to deliver prescribed medication by a CSCI over 48 hours may have numerous benefits in both patient care and health service resource utilisation.

Aim

To examine and present the current evidence base for the stability of 48-hour multiple-drug CSCIs in current clinical practice.

Design

A systematically-structured review following PRISMA guidelines.

Data sources

Three electronic databases and the grey literature were se

SUBMITTER: Baker J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5851608 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature