Calculate GIR in mg/kg/min for IV fluid administration.
Common values: 5 (D5W), 10 (D10W), 12.5, etc.
Glucose Infusion Rate
0.00 mg/kg/min
Calculation based on:
function calculateGIR() {
// Retrieve values using var
var weightInput = document.getElementById('patient_weight');
var rateInput = document.getElementById('iv_rate');
var concInput = document.getElementById('dextrose_conc');
var resultContainer = document.getElementById('gir_result_container');
var resultValue = document.getElementById('gir_final_value');
var summaryData = document.getElementById('summary_data');
// Parse floats
var weight = parseFloat(weightInput.value);
var rate = parseFloat(rateInput.value);
var concentration = parseFloat(concInput.value);
// Validation logic
if (isNaN(weight) || weight <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid patient weight greater than 0.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(rate) || rate < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid IV rate.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(concentration) || concentration < 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Dextrose concentration.");
return;
}
// CALCULATION LOGIC
// Formula: GIR (mg/kg/min) = [Rate (mL/hr) * Dextrose Conc (%) * 10] / [Weight (kg) * 60]
// The constant 10 converts % to mg/mL (e.g., 10% = 100mg/mL)
// The constant 60 converts hours to minutes
var numerator = rate * concentration * 10;
var denominator = weight * 60;
var gir = numerator / denominator;
// Display Result
resultContainer.style.display = "block";
resultValue.innerHTML = gir.toFixed(2) + " mg/kg/min";
summaryData.innerHTML = weight + "kg patient receiving " + rate + "mL/hr of D" + concentration + "W.";
}
What is Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR)?
The Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR) is a critical metric used primarily in neonatal and pediatric medicine to measure the amount of glucose a patient receives relative to their body weight over time. It is expressed in milligrams of glucose per kilogram of body weight per minute (mg/kg/min).
Maintaining appropriate blood glucose levels is vital for brain development and energy metabolism, particularly in neonates (newborns) who have limited glycogen stores and are prone to hypoglycemia.
GIR Calculation Formula
To calculate the Glucose Infusion Rate, you need three specific variables: the rate of IV fluid administration, the concentration of dextrose in the fluid, and the patient's weight. The formula is:
GIR = (Rate × Concentration × 10) / (Weight × 60)
Where:
Rate: The IV fluid rate in milliliters per hour (mL/hr).
Concentration: The percentage of dextrose in the solution (e.g., 10 for D10W).
Weight: The patient's weight in kilograms (kg).
10: Conversion factor (1% Dextrose = 10mg/mL).
60: Converts hours to minutes.
Typical GIR Reference Ranges
Target GIR values vary based on the patient's age and clinical condition. Below are general guidelines often used in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU):
Preterm Neonates: Starting at 4–6 mg/kg/min.
Term Neonates: Starting at 3–5 mg/kg/min.
Maximum Tolerance: Usually up to 12–14 mg/kg/min, though higher rates may be required for severe hypoglycemia or hyperinsulinism.
Example Calculation
Consider a newborn weighing 3.0 kg receiving D10W (10% Dextrose) at a rate of 9.0 mL/hr.
Divide by weight: 900 mg/hr / 3 kg = 300 mg/kg/hr.
Convert hours to minutes: 300 / 60 = 5.0 mg/kg/min.
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"text": "The formula for Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR) is: (IV Rate in mL/hr × Dextrose % × 10) divided by (Weight in kg × 60). This calculates the glucose delivery in mg/kg/min."
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"name": "What is a normal GIR for a neonate?",
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"text": "A typical starting GIR for a neonate is between 4 and 6 mg/kg/min. This mimics the glucose production rate of the liver in utero. The rate may be adjusted based on blood glucose monitoring."
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"name": "Why is calculating GIR important?",
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"text": "Calculating GIR is essential to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause neurological damage, and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), which can lead to dehydration and other complications."
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