Intraosseous route in pediatric emergencies. Description of 2 clinical cases and review of the literature

: The Authors describe the intraosseous administration of drugs and fluids in two patients: a preterm infant (gestational age 26 weeks, weight 850 g) with severe cardiopulmonary depression just after delivery, and a 15-day-old newborn with bronchopneumonia. The intraosseous infusion is safe and effective. At present, mainly in United States, it has an important role in pediatric emergency. It is indicated in all emergency situations where a vascular access must be rapidly obtained and in whom other methods of access to the vascular system have failed. After a short review on the history of this old procedure, used for the first time in 1922 for blood transfusions, the Authors describe its physiology, technique, complications, and contraindications.