Número Actual
Doxorubicin extravasation: Case series
Antonella Milano Gil
Patricia C. Docampo
MM, AMG: Central Aeronautical Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
PD: National Poison Center (CNI) - 'Prof. Alejandro Posadas' National Hospital, El Palomar, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract
Background. One of the most severe complications arising from the IV administration of certain cytostatic drugs is the extravasation into adjacent tissue, which causes local irritation, tissue necrosis, and may even result in amputation of the affected limb. According to the literature, the incidence of extravasations in peripheral intravenous administration ranges from 0.1 to 6%.
Clinical cases. Three patients presented suffering from doxorubicin extravasation while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. General measures were applied in all cases, and in one case dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was applied topically as an antidote for 24-48 hrs. All three had favorable responses.
Conclusions. Extravasation is a potentially serious complication of doxorubicin infusion. It is key to adhere to safe chemotherapy administration guidelines in order to prevent issues, as well as to continuously train staff.
