Hypodermoclysis: alternative for infusion of drugs in elderly patients and patients in palliative care

Abstract

Aim: execute a theoretical review about the use and applicability of subcutaneous therapy and to construct a guide for dilutions and compatibilities between drugs, allowing a safe and effective use by elderly or in need of palliative care patients.

Source of data: The research resource used was the search for scientific data in databases such as Lilacs, Medline, Pubmed, and Scielo, to perform a narrative review on the subject, using the terms "Hipodermóclise", "Terapia subcutânea", "Hypodermoclysis" and "Subcutaneous”.

Summary of findings: Considering the progressive increase in the elderly population and also in the number of people with chronic or terminal diseases, is important the development of techniques which ensure the comfort and the autonomy of these patients. The Hypodermoclysis or subcutaneous therapy has its therapeutical efficiency proved and it also can be helpful with patients who don´t have the oral way as a possibility for medication administration and hydration. It presents a safe and low-risk way to adverse effects, also acting as relief resource to symptoms such as náusea, vomiting, hard control pain, and dehydration. However, there are some disadvantages such as the impossibility of fast doses and volume adjustment, the limited and infusion speed and the small number of medicine and electrolytes that can be infused.

Conclusion: Hypodermoclysis is a safe way of administration, since the clinical characteristics of each patient are considered and, in order to fit the technique, it is necessary to create a database according to the reality of each institution, considering the characteristics of each medicine and the necessary care to promote the quality of life of these patients, so that they can reach their therapeutic goals.