A product, called hylenex recombinant, is easing the ability to rehydrate sick kids. Hylenex is made from hyaluronidase, an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid, an enzyme that holds cells together, like glue, and enables tissue to become a natural barrier). When hylenex is injected under the skin, the enzyme breaks down some of the natural glue, opening up spaces in the tissue and enabling it to become more permeable.
Instead of using an IV line, hylenex is injected into the back of the child, between the shoulder blades, where the injection can’t be seen. Then, a catheter is inserted just under the skin. IV fluids are delivered through the catheter and into the skin. The fluid is then absorbed into the capillaries (the tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin).
A parent can hold the child the entire time, from the injection of hylenex until the fluid levels are restored. The IV lines are out of reach of the child and he/she still has free hands to play or hold a toy. According to the manufacturer, the natural tissue barrier is restored within 48 hours.
With hylenex, health care providers are typically able to start rehydration treatment faster, allowing a child to go home sooner. Hylenex is not appropriate for severe dehydration. If a child needs multiple medications of other medical procedures that require an IV line, standard rehydration techniques would be used.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement