[Intraosseous infusion in children].
BACKGROUND
Intravenous access in critically ill patients may be very difficult to obtain. The intraosseous route is an alternate way to administer fluids and drugs.


METHODS
A five month old infant was brought to the emergency department in profound hypovolemia requiring immediate tracheal intubation. A peripheral venous access was established and 35 ml of colloid were rapidly infused. Unfortunately, fluid extravasated and the intravenous line had to be removed. As further attempts to gain intravenous access were unsuccessful, an intraosseous needle was inserted into the left tibia 1 cm below the tibial tuberosity, and colloid and human albumin solution were infused rapidly, followed by 1.4% sodium bicarbonate. After ninety minutes of intraosseous rehydration, 2 peripheral venous lines were inserted, and the intraosseous needle was removed. Bacteriological and viral cultures were negative. Four days after admission, the child was discharged in good condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraosseous infusion provides safe, rapid and reliable access to the circulation for administration of fluids and drugs in the critically ill child or during cardiac arrest.
Carbajal
R
R
Service de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier intercommunal de Poissy, France.
Paupe
A
A
Lenclen
R
R
Blanc
P
P
Olivier-Martin
M
M
Simon
N
N
D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017148:Infusions, Intraosseous / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012769:Shock / Q000628:therapy
Perfusion intraosseuse chez l'enfant.