GIR Calculator

Calculate Glucose Infusion Rate for parenteral dextrose administration in infants

Calculate Glucose Infusion Rate

kg

Patient weight in kilograms (typically 0.5-20 kg for neonates/infants)

Dextrose Infusion 1

%

Common: 5%, 10%, 12.5%, 15%, 20%

mL/hr

IV infusion rate in mL per hour

Glucose Infusion Rate Results

0.00
mg/kg/min

Example Calculation

Preterm Infant Example

Patient: 2 kg preterm infant

Infusion 1: 5% dextrose at 15 mL/hr

Infusion 2: 10% dextrose at 10 mL/hr

Step-by-Step Calculation

GIR₁: (15 × 5 × 1000) ÷ (2 × 60 × 100) = 75,000 ÷ 12,000 = 6.25 mg/kg/min

GIR₂: (10 × 10 × 1000) ÷ (2 × 60 × 100) = 100,000 ÷ 12,000 = 8.33 mg/kg/min

Total GIR: 6.25 + 8.33 = 14.58 mg/kg/min

Assessment: Elevated but may be acceptable for preterm infant needs

GIR Guidelines

Term Infants

Initial range: 4-6 mg/kg/min

Preterm Infants

Initial range: 5-8 mg/kg/min

Safety Limits

<4 mg/kg/min: Risk of hypoglycemia

>18-20 mg/kg/min: Risk of lipogenesis

Clinical Monitoring

Monitor blood glucose every 4-6 hours

Target glucose: 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L)

Adjust GIR based on glucose trends

Watch for signs of fluid overload

Monitor liver function with high GIR

Common Dextrose Concentrations

D5W (5%)5 g/dL
D10W (10%)10 g/dL
D12.5W (12.5%)12.5 g/dL
D15W (15%)15 g/dL
D20W (20%)20 g/dL

Understanding Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR)

What is GIR?

The Glucose Infusion Rate (GIR) measures how quickly a patient receives glucose from intravenous dextrose solutions. It's expressed in milligrams of glucose per kilogram of body weight per minute (mg/kg/min).

Why is GIR Important?

  • Prevents hypoglycemia in neonates and infants
  • Ensures adequate glucose for brain metabolism
  • Monitors parenteral nutrition safety
  • Prevents complications from excessive glucose

GIR Formula

GIR = (IV rate × Dext Conc × 1000) ÷ (weight × 60 × 100)

Where: IV rate (mL/hr), Dext Conc (%), weight (kg)

Clinical Considerations

  • Start conservatively and titrate based on glucose levels
  • Consider patient's gestational age and clinical condition
  • Monitor for signs of glucose intolerance
  • Adjust based on feeding tolerance and growth

Important Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only. It should not replace clinical judgment or professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for patient care decisions. Glucose administration requires careful monitoring and should only be managed by trained medical personnel in appropriate clinical settings.