Usefulness of hypodermoclysis for hydration of elderly patient

Objective: Dehydration is often present in elderly patients; re-hydration can be made by oral or parenteral way. Increasing the oral fluid intake sometimes may be difficult because of the presence of some clinical conditions (difficulty in swallowing, abnormal mental status, the presence of uncooperative, agitated, confused patients). Venous catheterization often has complications as phlebitis or immobility. Hypodermoclysis, or infusion of fluid into subcutaneous tissue, is an effective alternative option for re-hydration in mild and moderate dehydrated elderly patients. Methods and results: The indications and contraindications of hypodermoclysis have been reviewed in the last published articles, with the objective of improving its knowledge and usefulness. The technique for infusing fluids by hypodermoclysis is also described. Conclusions: It has been demonstrated that hypodermoclysis is a safe, effective and simple method of re-hydration in elderly patients and may be usefulness in different clinical settings.