THE INTRAOSSEOUS ROUTE, AN UNDERESTIMATED VASCULAR ACCESS IN FRANCE

Intraosseous vascular access is a simple and very efficient technique for fluid and drug administration in any pediatric emergencies where t he intravenous route is impossible or inadequate. Yet it remains unrec ognized in France. Irs pharmacokinetics is close to that of peripheral intravenous route, but it allows much greater infusion flow rates in pediatric resuscitation it must be considered as the number one techni que of intravascular access in infants, and rapidly as the first alter native after failure of attempt of intravenous route in children under 6. Provided that the technique is performed with careful asepsis, the risk of infectious complications is very low. Howewer the intraosseou s route must remain a transitory vascular access, and has to be stoppe d as soon as possible, ifs use never exceeding 24 hours.