HYPODERMOCLYSIS: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Abstract

Introduction: Subcutaneous therapy, also called hypodermoclysis, is still little discussed and used. Thistechnique consists in the administration of solutions in the subcutis, the deepest layer of the skin, whichvascularization is similar to the one observed in muscles. Objective: Analyze the scientific productionindexed in national journals related to the use of subcutaneous therapy in nursing care. Materials andMethods: Systematic review and exploratory qualitative approach. We conducted a search for studiespublished in national journals in the past six years in the database of Latin American Literature on HealthSciences (LILACS) and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Since data on the subject are scarce,we used the Google search engine for scholarly publications, including the National Cancer Institute(INCA). The terms “hypodermoclysis”, “subcutaneous therapy” and “palliative care” were adopted. Results:The analyzed studies resulted in the following groupings: indications and contraindications; advantagesand disadvantages; indicated locations to puncture; medicinal fluid used; and the implementation of thistechnique for puncturing. It was evident that subcutaneous therapy is an important resource for patientsin palliative care. It can contribute to enhancing the quality of life of these patients. The risks are minimal,side effects are rare, reversible and of small clinical significance; The advantages of this technique exceedsits possible drawbacks. Conclusions: The technique facilitates the discharge of the patient, favoringhomecare, it is easy to apply and to manipulate, and implies lower costs. However, the research is neededto consolidate the use of this technique in Brazil, considering that there is a lack of studies in this area.