 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Extravasation injury Q&AsPublished by Bupa's health information team, November 2008. Answers to questions about extravasation injuryThis section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
I suffer from diabetes - does this increase my risk of extravasation?Your risk of extravasation depends on your age, medical condition, injection site and type of fluid given. If you have diabetes, it's possible that you may not feel the pain if the drip leaks into your soft tissue and this could delay diagnosis and treatment of extravasation. ExplanationDiabetes can lead to a number of health problems, including nerve damage if it isn't strictly controlled. Symptoms of nerve damage include numbness or pain in the hands, feet, arms or legs. This condition is called peripheral neuropathy. If you have peripheral neuropathy, it's possible that you may not feel the pain or stinging symptoms of extravasation and this could delay diagnosis and treatment of extravasation. If you have diabetes, it's important that you tell this to your nurse or doctor before you have intravenous therapy. While the drip is in place regularly check the injection site and make sure you are closely monitored by the medical staff. If you see any change in the injection area such as redness or swelling, or feel any pain or stinging report it immediately to your nurse or doctor. Further information
Sources
 Which medicines are most often named in extravasation reports?According to the National Extravasation Information Service, the medicines most often reported in extravasation reports are 5-fluorouracil, carboplatin, cisplatin and doxorubicin. ExplanationCarboplatin, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin and doxorubicin are medicines used to treat cancer. They target fast growing tissue cells. If these medicines leak into the soft tissue during intravenous therapy, they have the potential to cause severe local tissue damage. Symptoms range from discomfort and mild redness to severely painful skin necrosis (cell death), ulcerations, and damage of deep tissue structures such as nerves, tendons and joints. The extent of the damage depends on the concentration and amount of medicine leaked into the soft tissue. According to the National Extravasation Information Service, from 1993 to 2006, 5-fluorouracil was reported in 540 of 2000 extravasation cases. Carboplatin, cisplatin and doxorubicin were each reported in fewer than 200 extravasation cases. Extravasation injuries are a potentially serious consequence of all types of intravenous therapy. There are many factors such as your age, medical condition, injection site, and the type and concentration of infusion which impact on your risk of extravasation. Cancer patients are at higher risk of extravasation. They often need multiple infusions so the number of optimal intravenous sites is reduced and they have thin and fragile veins. It's estimated that extravasation occurs in about 0.1 to six percent of patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy. If you have any concerns about extravasation, speak to your nurse or doctor and check that you are being closely monitored while you are on a drip. Report any pain, stinging or burning in the injection area immediately to your nurse or doctor. Further information
Sources
Can extravasation injury result in amputation?Yes, but this is very rare. In the worst case scenario, amputation above the extravasation injury may be required to remove the dead tissue or to stop the spread of the tissue damage. ExplanationHow much of the tissue is damaged and to what degree depends on:
Cancer medicines, for example, often cause the most severe type of tissue damage because these medicines are designed to kill tissue cells. To make matters worse some cancer medicines can stay in the tissue for months after extravasation which means the injury presents much later with extensive tissue damage. According to the National Extravasation Information Service, in a sample of 2000 extravasation cases, 0.2 percent ulcerated and needed a skin graft. When ulceration occurs, it means the tissue is dead or dying. If the underlying deep tissues are also affected, then it may be difficult to treat and amputation may be necessary to remove the dead tissue. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: November 2008
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![Print-friendly version [opens in a new window]](/images/icons/icn_printer.gif){kind=icon}
|
|
|
||||
 |
 |
|||||
| ||||||
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|