Extravasation Injuries of the Limbs in Neonates and Children

Abstract

occur as a matter of fate (1). In a retrospective analysis of 42 children, 41 extravasation injuries (98%) involved peripheral intravenous catheters and only one extravasation (2%) a central intravenous catheter; in 40 cases the extremities were affected and only in one case the scalp (1). With their fine skin and thin subcutaneous fat, the veins of the extremities of children are most accessible, but at the same time most susceptible to injury (1-4, e1). In addition, infants and neonates are particularly at risk due to their small vessels with fragile vessel walls, difficulties with cannula fixation, often prolonged intravenous therapy, and their limited ability to communicate pain (1-4). In neonatology, younger age (<32-33 weeks gestation, <28 days of life) and low birth weight (<1500-2500 g; odds ratio [OR] for <1500 g: 1.91) are particularly important risk factors (5-7), and 70% of

Distal Tibia Epiphysiodesis After Saphenous Vein Catheterization During Treatment for Prematurity

“…On the other hand, the frequency of extravasation injuries is considerably higher among preterms [ 9 ]. Extravasation injury is deemed any tissue injury caused after leakage of medication or fluids out of a peripheral vein catheter to the surrounding tissues [ 9 ].…”

“…On the other hand, the frequency of extravasation injuries is considerably higher among preterms [ 9 ]. Extravasation injury is deemed any tissue injury caused after leakage of medication or fluids out of a peripheral vein catheter to the surrounding tissues [ 9 ]. While in adults extravasation has been reported in 5% of cases after administration of cytotoxic drugs [ 10 ], in neonates extravasation may be observed in 18%-46% of cases.…”

“…While in adults extravasation has been reported in 5% of cases after administration of cytotoxic drugs [ 10 ], in neonates extravasation may be observed in 18%-46% of cases. In almost all cases (98%), extravasation injuries complicate peripherally inserted vein catheters [ 9 ]. The small size and the extremely fragile wall of the peripheral veins of the neonate, the prolonged intravenous therapy, the difficulty to stabilize catheters on the neonate, and the inability of the neonate to communicate pain are possible explanations [ 9 ].…”

“…In almost all cases (98%), extravasation injuries complicate peripherally inserted vein catheters [ 9 ]. The small size and the extremely fragile wall of the peripheral veins of the neonate, the prolonged intravenous therapy, the difficulty to stabilize catheters on the neonate, and the inability of the neonate to communicate pain are possible explanations [ 9 ]. Lower gestational age and low birth weight are particularly important risk factors for extravasation.…”

“…Lower gestational age and low birth weight are particularly important risk factors for extravasation. Up to 70% of extravasation injuries are observed in extremely preterm infants [ 9 ].…”