Subcutaneous infusions in the elderly

1,850 subcutaneous infusions were given to 270 elderly patients (average age, 82) in a hospital geriatric department and in two nursing homes. The side effects were few and not serious. In 4 patients there was anasarca of the gluteal and genital regions but this disappeared promptly after giving diuretics. In a case of disseminated intravascular coagulation, ecchymoses appeared in the thighs. Sepsis, shock, tissue necrosis and other dangerous side effect mentioned in textbooks were not observed. The method is acceptable to most elderly patients and causes less discomfort than does the intravenous method. Since the infusion last only 2 to 4 hours, it enables the patient to be out of bed most of the day. Infusion by the subcutaneous route can be safely administered by trained nurses in institutions without a resident medical staff. It seems to be the method of choice for giving fluid supplements to elderly patients in nonemergency situations.