Hypodermoclysis as an Alternative to Pediatric Rehydration

Abstract

Dehydration is one of the main causes of mortality in pediatric population in developing countries. Thus, we have studied alternative measures that are low-cost and easy to administer for oral, intravenous, and intraosseuos rehydration. Hypodermoclysis is the technique for subcutaneous administration of liquids in order to prevent or treat mild or moderate dehydration. This method has been forgotten for many years due to the lack of experience and well-structured protocols. Recently, there has been increasing interest in researching and implementing this technique due to the benefits and lower risks compared to other options, including easy administration, pathway maintenance, patient comfort, and reduced complications due to endothelial damage, demonstrated in different studies, such as INFUSE-Peds I and II. Human recombinant hyaluronidase can be implemented in order to favor subcutaneous absorption; this enzyme is in charge of dissolving hyaluronic acid to temporarily alter the permeability of the tissue, which is the object of analysis of these studies. This technique has not been completely disseminated in Colombia to administer in pediatric population. It is imperative to divulge treatment options that are effective and low-cost to treat the most prevalent diseases. Hypodermoclysis meets these objectives and also has benefits such as parent satisfaction and improves indexes of infant morbidity and mortality.