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Subcutaneous infusion of fluid (hypodermoclysis) is a method of hydration not widely known to clinicians. With this procedure, up to 1500 mL of fluid per day can be infused through a small needle or catheter placed into subcutaneous tissue (e.g., in the thigh, abdominal wall, thorax, or back).
In this observational study from a long-term care facility in Toronto, researchers compared hypodermoclysis and conventional intravenous fluid therapy in 55 dehydrated elderly patients, 67 percent of whom had dementia. Choice of therapy was at the discretion of each patient's physician. During a 5-week period, 37 patients received hypodermoclysis, 9 received IV fluids, and 9 received both. All 24 patients with chronically poor oral intake were treated …