Table 2 Details of Included Studies
From: Subcutaneous dextrose for rehydration of elderly patients – an evidence-based review
Study | No of Patients | Type of Study | Conclusions | Appraiser's Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rochon et al 1997 [2] | 13 studies included | Systematic Review | Hypodermoclysis of 40 g/L dextrose and 30 mmol/L NaCl or 5% dextrose solution and 4 g/L NaCl is safe and effective | Limited search strategy. Minimal appraisal of validity of included studies. |
Slesak et al 2003 [3] | 96 | Randomised Controlled Trial | Hypodermoclysis of half-normal saline-glucose 5% is well accepted by elderly patients and is of comparable efficacy and safety to IV rehydration. | Large number of switches between treatment groups and used non-validated measures of discomfort and feasibility. |
O'Keeffe & Lavan 1996 [4] | 60 | Randomised Controlled Trial | SC or IV infusion have comparable efficacy and safety. SC infusion is better tolerated by elderly confused patients | Data on dextrose solutions not reported separately. No blinding. |
Dasgupta, Binns & Rochon 2000[5] | 55 | Cohort Study | Hypodermoclysis with two-thirds 5% glucose and one-third normal saline or normal saline was as effective as IV infusion and associated with local reactions and complications. | Substantial methodological weaknesses. Allocation to treatment based on physician preference, small sample size in IV group, non-validated outcome measures. |