Baxter International’s HYLENEX recombinant (hyaluronidase human injection) for pediatric rehydrati

Baxter International Inc.

HYLENEX is an innovative approach to rehydrating infants and young children suffering from mild to moderate dehydration. It is the first and only purified preparation of the enzyme, hyaluronidase, which breaks down hyaluronic acid, a space-filling gel that exists in the tissue beneath the skin.

HYLENEX safely allows fluids and medications to be administered under the skin (subcutaneously) rather than through a vein (IV). IV therapy, which traditionally has been used for rehydration, is rated as one of the leading causes of pain for hospitalized children, since it can take multiple needle sticks to find a vein for treatment initiation and cause subsequent trauma and discomfort for patients, parents and clinicians.

HYLENEX temporarily makes the tissue beneath the skin more permeable (capable of being passed through) and able to absorb fluid, allowing fluids to be absorbed more readily into the blood vessels. It has been shown to be quick, simple and relatively painless. In addition, research has shown that parents whose children receive HYLENEX for rehydration are highly satisfied with the results, report their experience is better than IV administration and would opt for the alternative approach in the future.

Discussion

Babs RyanAugust 25th, 2009

As someone who has been hospitalized 3 times for severe dehydration and who has had my veins snapped in half and poked through the other side by incompetent or unskilled hospital staff, I can only imagine what small children go through with this issue.

A greatly needed and important innovation.

donna ruggirelloAugust 28th, 2009

My son dehydrates very quickly, this past time, ruining this whole month of August, getting quite ill! Dehydration is something people just don't take seriously enough, and it is definitely needs to be addressed, more than it is now!

Bill FillippSeptember 1st, 2009

Having seen how easy this product is to use for healthcare professionals and watching how quickly it facilitates the rehydration process, I can't imagine why any emergency department wouldn't want to use it. It's a prime example of fiscal and physical efficiency!

Ed ChandlerSeptember 1st, 2009

Nurses have told me that inserting an IV needle into a child is not easy, and it can be painful for the child--especially if the nurse has to try more than once becasue they can't find a vein! No parent wants their child to go through that if they don't have to. A product that would simplify the rehydration process is an important step for affected families.

Kathleen CollinsSeptember 2nd, 2009

This product offers a more efficient and simplified process

to the rehydration process.

I regret that it was not available years ago when my young daughter went through a very scary episode of dehydration.

Amy Elizabeth CollinsSeptember 2nd, 2009

Having worked at a leading children's hospital, I know that both minimization of trauma and pain as well as fast turnaround time are important for healthcare providers, families, and most importantly, patients. This product holds much promise for the future of rehydration therapy.

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