IV Normal Saline
As research specific to this intervention within our community grows, there is increasing evidence of the significant medium-term benefits, though this study specifically was performed with adults, an average age of 35 (Ruzieh et al., 2017).
The significant relief individuals experience, which can allow them to better engage and take part in exercise protocols (which can allow for longer-term symptom management), should not be overlooked (Ruzieh et al., 2017).
Individuals often can achieve significant relief for approximately 3 days following an infusion, and within this particular study, all participants achieved a significant improvement in quality of life.
Given the safety profile of IV Saline, it may be important for more providers to consider it at least as a medium-term treatment for those in need, especially given the improvement in quality of life and increased ability to engage in exercise regimens (Ruzieh et al., 2017).
The protocol used for the study involved the infusion of 1 liter of saline over 1 to 2 hours each week, with therapy being titrated up or down as tolerated, where some received 2 liters per week and others received 1 liter every 24 days (Ruzieh et al., 2017).
Importantly, the way individuals respond will vary, so an individualized approach will be important for providers to consider especially as some may have co-occurring conditions which could impact efficacy.
Source:
Ruzieh, M., Baugh, A., Dasa, O., Parker, R. L., Perrault, J. T., Renno, A., Karabin, B. L., & Grubb, B. (2017). Effects of intermittent intravenous saline infusions in patients with medication—refractory postural tachycardia syndrome. Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology, 48(3), 255–260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-017-0225-y