Subcutaneous Infusion of Fluids for Hydration or Nutrition: A Review.

Subcutaneous infusion, or hypodermoclysis, is a technique whereby fluids are infused into the subcutaneous space via small-gauge needles that are typically inserted into the thighs, abdomen, back, or arms. In this review, we provide an overview of the technique, summarize findings from studies that have examined the use of subcutaneous infusion of fluids for hydration or nutrition, and describe the indications, advantages, and disadvantages of subcutaneous infusion. Taken together, the available evidence suggests that, when indicated, subcutaneous infusion can be effective for administering fluids for hydration or nutrition, with minimal complications, and has similar effectiveness and safety to the intravenous route.

Ultrasound Tissue Pulsatility Imaging Suggests Impairment in Global Brain Pulsatility and Small Vessels in Elderly Patients with Orthostatic Hypotension.

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is highly prevalent in the elderly, and this population can be exposed to serious complications, including falls and cognitive disorders, as well as overall mortality. However, the pathophysiology of OH is still poorly understood, and innovative methods of cerebral blood flow (CBF) assessment have been required to accurately investigate cerebrovascular reactivity in OH.

Objectives: We want to compare brain tissue pulsatility (BTP) changes during an orthostatic challenge in elderly patients over 80 with and without OH.

Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Parenteral Nutrition in Older Patients: A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Background: Many patients who cannot tolerate adequate enteral nutrition could benefit from parenteral nutrition support but fail to receive it due to difficult intravenous (IV) access. The objective of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) administration of parenteral nutrition with the peripheral IV route.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective randomized multicenter study of 121 older hospitalized patients.

[Geriatric particularities of Parkinson's disease: Clinical and therapeutic aspects].

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent and complex progressive neurological disorder that increases in incidence with age. Although historically PD has been characterized by the presence of progressive dopaminergic neuronal loss of the substantia nigra, the disease process also involves neurotransmitters other that dopamine and regions of the nervous system outside the basal ganglia. Its clinical presentation in elderly subjects differs from that in younger subjects, with more rapid progression, less frequent tremor, more pronounced axial signs, more frequent non-motor signs linked to concomitant degeneration of non-dopaminergic systems, and more frequent associated lesions.