Prevention of extravasation injuries secondary to doxorubicin.
Intravenously administered drugs with potentially devastating consequences should be given only by personnel highly knowledgeable regarding the side effects and skilled in intravenous cannulation. A strict protocol should be followed. The earliest signs heralding extravasation should be recognized and infusion discontinued immediately. If extravasation occurs, prompt surgical consultation is necessary. Injection into the volar wrist, dorsum of the hand, and antecubital fossa should always be avoided. Polyethylene catheters are preferable to butterfly needles for administering chemotherapeutic agents. A careful history of the venous problems of patients who require long-term therapy should be maintained in their chart. Ideally, vascular access should avoid these problems.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003646:Debridement; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
D004317:Doxorubicin