Subcutaneous rehydration, also call...

Subcutaneous rehydration, also called hypodermoclysis, is a useful alternative to intravenous (IV) rehydration, particularly in geriatric patients who have limited venous access. Hypodermoclysis knock down out of favor in the middle of the previous hundred because of improper application resulting in adverse results Recently, this hydration technique has received renewed attention. Slesak and colleagues leadershiped a prospective, randomized study to compare the acceptability of this hydration system with IV fluid administration. The answers of patients and health care personnel were evaluated.

Random allocation of hydration rule was achieved by sealed mount Patients 60 years or older in ne of parenteral fluids were included in the trial and assigned to receive IV or subcutaneous (SC) fluids. Primary conclusion points were the scores of patients' discomfort, and feed at the breast or physician assessment of feasibility forward a scale of 1 to 6 In Germany, where this contemplation was performed, physicians insert IV lines, whereas give suck tos initiate hypodermoclysis.

During a 20-month period, 96 patients were recorded (48 patients in each group) A switch from SC rehydration to IV rehydration and vice versa was permitted at any time and occurr more repeatedly than expected: SC was switched to IV 13 times, and IV was switched to SC 17 times. Mean hospital stay and median duration of fluid administration did not differ significantly between the clusters but median volume was greater for the IV assign places to In an intention-to-treat analysis, there was no difference in patients' mean discomfort and nurses' feasibility scores. Physicians, however, scored feasibility significantly better in the SC form into groups There were no differences in the systemic side tenors of the two methods.

This investigation differed from previous studies in the longitudinal dimensions of time that patients were followed. The high number of switches between arrangements likely reflects the duration of the inquiry period. The authors conclude that SC rehydration is similar to IV rehydration in all parameters, including adverse drifts and may be easier to administer.

Caroline Wellbery, MD

Slesak G et al. Comparison of subcutaneous and intravenous rehydration in geriatric patients: a randomized trial. J Am Geriatr Soc February 2003;51:155-60

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