Hidratación por vía subcutánea en pacientes con cáncer avanzado

Abstract

Introduction: Subcutaneous infusion allows the administration of parenteral treatments. However, subcutaneous hydration is exceptional in our environment. We developed this trial in order to assess the feasibility of such hydration in cancer patients, the procedures and potential complications. Patients, material and methods: We included dehydrated terminally ill cancer patients and patients at risk of developing dehydration from the Palliative Care Unit of The Grey Nuns Hospital, Edmonton (Canada) and Hospital Universitario de Valladolid (Spain). They received subcutaneous hydration; the volume and rhythm of infusion were adapted to each patient. Results: We performed 101 clyses in 33 patients (Edmonton 24; Valladolid 9), with a total of 314 days of infusion. Volume infused was 1,000 cc/day over a median of three days (1 to 21 days) and a rhythm of 20 cc/hour. Clyses were changed every three days (1 to 15 days), mainly because of fl uid retention in the puncture area. Two patients required hyaluronidase. There were differences between Hospitals in characteristics of patients (worse prognosis in the Spanish group) and conditions of infusion (higher volume and duration in Canadians). The incidence of complications was low, being similar in both groups. Conclusions: Subcutaneous hydration of terminally ill cancer patients is easy and seems to be free of severe complications.