As temperatures rise during the summer months, the risk of dehydration increases.<\/p>\n
This is especially true for certain patient populations.<\/p>\n
Older adults are at a high risk of becoming dehydrated.1<\/sup><\/p>\n Dehydration is one of the 10 most frequent reasons for geriatric patients to be hospitalised.2<\/sup><\/p>\n It has a higher mortality rate at 60 days than hip fracture.2<\/sup><\/p>\n The forgetfulness associated with dementia can result in dehydration because patients with this condition may not remember the last time they took a drink.1<\/sup><\/p>\n Paediatric patients are also at risk.3<\/sup><\/p>\n Dehydration may impede these patients\u2019 ability to recover from certain medical conditions, including: acute gastroenteritis; respiratory, genitourinary and febrile illnesses.3<\/sup><\/p>\n Subcutaneous injection, also known as hypodermoclysis, is a way to infuse fluids into the subcutaneous tissue.4<\/sup><\/p>\n This route of administration allows you to rehydrate patients who have difficulties receiving fluids orally or intravenously.3<\/sup><\/p>\n Oral hydration may not be possible because of cognitive impairment, vomiting, nausea, infection, cancer-related abdominal obstruction or stroke, especially in elderly patients.4<\/sup><\/p>\n Hypodermoclysis may also be used to administer medication5<\/sup>. Following injection, the medication reaches the bloodstream via capillaries or lymphatic vessels.5<\/sup><\/p>\n The subcutaneous route is frequently used in geriatric care, paediatric care and post-operative pain management.3,4,6<\/sup><\/p>\n When compared with intravenous (IV) therapy, subcutaneous infusion may offer the following four benefits:<\/p>\n 1. Ease of use for catheter insertion and maintenance3-5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n 2. Improved patient comfort3-5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n 3. Lower risk of complications3-5<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n 4. Increased cost-effectiveness for medication delivery*7,8<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n However, there are some contraindications to subcutaneous injection. When fluids must be administered rapidly and in large volume, they shouldn\u2019t be given via this route.4<\/sup><\/p>\n Other contraindications include patients at a high risk of pulmonary congestion or oedema, and those with clotting disorders.4<\/sup><\/p>\n Subcutaneous infusion may be a safe and effective alternative to IV therapy.5<\/sup><\/p>\n The BD Saf-T-Intima\u2122 Safety System is designed for subcutaneous infusion therapy.<\/p>\n Find out more about this catheter by downloading the brochure below.Subcutaneous injection: When rehydration isn\u2019t possible orally or intravenously<\/h2>\n
How could your patients benefit from subcutaneous injection?<\/h2>\n
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\n*With trastuzumab and rituximab<\/em><\/p>\n