Iran Journal of Nursing

  Background and Aim: Hypodermoclysis is a method of administration of fluids subcutaneously that has been increasingly rediscovered as an alternative therapy to intravenous infusions, especially in the field of geriatrics and palliative medicine. Though it is increasingly used, its safety and adverse effect are still controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the adverse effects of subcutaneous and intravenous infusions in geriatric patients.

  Material and Method: The study was designed as a randomized clinical trial. It was performed at the neurology ward of Golestan hospital in Ahwaz. Eighty patients aged 65 and older with medical diagnosis of stroke were randomly allocated to receive subcutaneous or intravenous infusion of normal saline. A check list and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to record the observed adverse effects and determine the severity of pain, respectively. Localized adverse effects were categorized into minor and major groups based on diameter of involved area.

  Results: Some patients experienced local side effects (40% of patient in subcutaneous group vs. 45% of patients in intravenous group). Major local side effects occurred in 16% of patients in subcutaneous group (large edema, Hhematoma) and 19% of patients in intravenous group (phlebitis, hematoma). The most frequent side effect was local edema in subcutaneous group (45%) and phlebitis (38%) in intravenous group. Both methods of rehydration were not statistically different in terms of local side effects.

  Conclusion: This study demonstrated that rehydration by hypodermoclysis is, in general, as safe as intravenous therapy in geriatric patients. Therefore, when it is not possible to administer oral fluids or establish an intravenous access, hypodermoclysis can be recommended as an alternative and effective method of infusion.