What is an extravasation injury?

Listen to pronunciation. (ek-STRA-vuh-SAY-shun IN-jer-ee) Blistering and tissue damage caused by certain drugs when they leak out of a vein into the tissue around it. The damage is sometimes severe and can lead to tissue necrosis (tissue death).

How is chemo extravasation treated?

DMSO has been used with success in human anthracycline extravasation. In humans, topical DMSO was applied immediately after extravasation covering twice the area affected. This treatment was repeated twice daily for 14 days with resolution [1].

Can chemo drugs cause extravasation?

Chemotherapy extravasation is manifested by a wide range of symptoms that can be mild and can present as an acute burning pain, swelling, at the infusion site. Symptoms vary according to the amount and concentration of extravasated drug.

What actions would you consider for a patient with extravasation?

At the first sign of extravasation, the following steps are recommended: (1) stop administration of IV fluids immediately, (2) disconnect the IV tube from the cannula, (3) aspirate any residual drug from the cannula, (4) administer a drug-specific antidote, and (5) notify the physician (Fig.

Can extravasation cause death?

If healthcare teams do not treat extravasation in time, a person may experience serious complications, which can include tissue death and a loss of limb function.

How long does it take for extravasation to heal?

Blown veins require medical treatment, but they do not usually result in long-term damage to the vein and generally heal in 10–12 days.

What is extravasation in metastasis?

(ek-STRA-vuh-SAY-shun) The leakage of blood, lymph, or other fluid, such as an anticancer drug, from a blood vessel or tube into the tissue around it. It is also used to describe the movement of cells out of a blood vessel into tissue during inflammation or metastasis (the spread of cancer).

What are the consequences of extravasation?

Extravasation of acidic solution can cause skin necrosis and skin contractures, alkaline solutions like soda bicarb and hypertonic solutions (10% Dextrose) causes extensive subcutaneous damage, while extravasation of vasoconstrictive drugs like adrenaline can lead to ischemic necrosis.