Hypodermoclysis or Subcutaneous Infusion Revisited

LKP Yap, SH Tan, WH Koo
Correspondence: Dr W H Koo, whkoo@doverpark.org.sg

ABSTRACT
Aim of Study To review the use of hypodermoclysis in a local Hospice.
Method A review of all hypodermoclysis carried out over a six-month period was conducted. Special attention was paid to the reason for starting and stopping the drip, duration of the drip, complications, the type and amount of solution infused.
Results Fifty-one (19%) out of 266 patients received hypodermoclysis during their stay. This constituted 5.9% of total patient-days in the study period. Vomiting and drowsiness were the main reasons for the use of drip. The commonest reason for stopping the drip was patient demise. Complications seen were drip site redness (16%), extravasation (15%) and bleeding (2.5%) There was no overt clinical sepsis in any of the patients.
Conclusion Hypodermoclysis is an easy and convenient means of providing hydration. The availability of a standard protocol with clearer guidelines on its use will help to reduce procedure-related complications and promote wider adoption of the practice.

Keywords: hypodermoclysis, butterfly needle, hydration, hospice, standard protocol
Singapore Med J 2001; 42(11): 526-529