Is injecting a finger with rabies immunoglobulin dangerous?
Treating potentially rabies virus infected wounds requires the injection of rabies immunoglobulin into and around the wounds, followed by vaccination with an approved tissue culture rabies vaccine. A significant number of such bite wounds involves fingers where there is little space for expansion. Injecting immunoglobulin into such areas under pressure may induce a compartment syndrome caused by compromising circulation. We carried out a retrospective review and a prospective study of patients seen with digital bite injuries and found that it is a safe procedure if carried out with care by experienced staff.
Suwansrinon
Kanitta
K
Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. sukanitta@yahoo.com
Jaijaroensup
Wipaporn
W
Wilde
Henry
H
Sitprija
Visith
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001733:Bites and Stings / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000821:virology*; D005385:Fingers; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007223:Infant; D015552:Injections, Intralesional / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011818:Rabies / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control
D007136:Immunoglobulins