Evaluation of a pediatric pre-chemotherapy rapid hydration protocol: A quality assurance project.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous hydration may be utilized to prevent nephrotoxicity and facilitate drug elimination in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy. Prolonged hydration protocols may lead to delayed initiation and completion of therapy, lengthening hospital admissions. Rapid hydration protocols have been implemented to reduce the time required for patients to meet parameters for chemotherapy administration. This study aims to evaluate a rapid hydration protocol implemented at the Alberta Children's Hospital (ACH). METHODS: Starting January 2018 through May 2018, data was prospectively collected for pediatric oncology acute care and ambulatory patients at ACH receiving methotrexate (MTX), cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, or ifosfamide. The primary outcome was the time to achieve pre-determined urine parameters prior to chemotherapy administration. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of cycles that achieved urine parameters and the efficacy of each rapid hydration step. RESULTS: A total of 22 cycles were included, 13 for MTX and 9 for non-MTX chemotherapy. Median time to meet all urine parameters was 120 min (range 30-600 min). Two cycles (15%) failed rapid hydration in the MTX group, while no cycles required further hydration in the non-MTX group. Adverse events potentially attributable to hydration were mild and did not require intervention. CONCLUSION: The ACH rapid hydration protocol resulted in reduced time to meet target urine parameters. The results of this quality assurance review support the continued use of rapid hydration prior to chemotherapy administration.