EXTRAVASATION
It is the unintentional leakage of chemotherapy drugs into tissue during IV administration
Why it’s dangerous?
Chemotherapy agents are Cytotoxic. When they escape the vein, they cause
- Severe pain
- Blistering
- Ulceration
- Tissue necrosis
Classification of Chemo drugs based on its Injury risks
Signs and symptoms:
- Burning or stinging pain
- Swelling at infusion site
- Redness or blanching
- Tightness or heaviness
- Decreased infusion flow
- Absence of blood return
Prevention
Management
- STOP the infusion, leave the port needle in place
- Donot Flush
- Gently aspirate any residual drug using a syringe
- Document the incident
- Cold compress for Anthracyclines, Mitomycin
- Warm compress for Taxanes , Vinca alkaloids.
Early recognition is the most important factor in preventing permanent damage.
Is there any other ways to prevent this extravasation ?
MBH/PS