INFUSIONS OF BLOOD AND OTHER FLUIDS VIA THE BONE MARROW

Abstract

Substances injected into the marrow cavity are rapidly taken up,¹apparently unchanged, into the general circulation.²The problem of administering fluids to infants is a difficult one, especially when rapid absorption is desired. The two main routes available, aside from the peripheral veins themselves, are the superior longitudinal sinus, reached through the anterior fontanel, and the peritoneal cavity. The infusion of substances through the anterior fontanel, unless in skilled hands, is attended by a high risk. The absorption of substances injected intraperitoneally may, under certain circumstances, be greatly delayed. Moreover, in treatment of disorders of the abdomen it is not advisable to use this route. Thus there is left a group of infants for whom infusion by the intramedullary route may be the only advisable resort. These considerations have led us to a trial of the merits of the intramedullary route for infusion of fluids in a group