Nutrition by hypodermoclysis

Abstract

It is possible to administer fluid subcutaneously at a rate so slow that the forces of diffusion and perfusion are able to transfer that fluid to the circulation at a rate equal to the rate of its delivery. In clinical practice, fluid can be delivered subcutaneously in the presence of hyaluronidase at about 1 ml per minute without the accumulation of edema. Thus, 1500 ml can be delivered in 24 hours at a single site, and 3000 ml of fluid can be delivered at two sites in 24 hours. This procedure, called hypodermoclysis, is used for hydration. It is particularly useful for the aged patient in the long-term care institution when it will save the patient from the dangers of hospitalization and save society from its costs.