Intraosseous infusion of hypertonic glucose and dopamine.

Intraosseous infusion of drugs for resuscitation and of fluids has been advocated as an alternate emergency technique to intravenous infusion. The reliability of intraosseous infusion of many substances has not been established. Glucose and dopamine hydrochloride are two commonly used emergency drugs in pediatric practice that have not been carefully studied when administered into the bone marrow. In an animal model, we compared the response of an intraosseous injection of hypertonic glucose with that of an intravenous injection of hypertonic glucose. Serum glucose measurements following the injection revealed both routes of administration to be effective. A dopamine infusion was then administered through the bone marrow for 20 minutes. A statistically significant rise in blood pressure was observed two minutes after initiation of the infusion. Intraosseous infusion of hypertonic glucose and dopamine is an effective route by which to administer these medications and is potentially useful in emergency situations in which intravascular access is delayed.