[Subcutaneous infusions for geriatric patients: rediscovery of an "old" technique].
Giving fluids via the subcutaneous route is a safe and effective technique for the prophylaxis and for the treatment of dehydration. Side effects occur rarely when using this access route compared to the intravenous route, which has a much higher rate of side effects. Subcutaneous infusions can be used to treat inpatients in a hospital setting, in nursing homes, and in patients living at home. One great advantage of the subcutaneous route is that it is not necessary to have a physician to prepare a subcutaneous line, which can also be performed by trained nursing staff. Agitated patients who frequently pull out their lines themselves are a group where the subcutaneous route is particularly useful. Subcutaneous infusions can avoid the necessity for admission of geriatric patients to a hospital.
Klinik für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Onkologie und Altersmedizin, Alexianer Krefeld GmbH, Dießemer Bruch 81, 47805, Krefeld, Deutschland. andreas.leischker@alexianer-krefeld.de
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003681:Dehydration / Q000628:therapy*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D055104:Infusions, Subcutaneous / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*