There is huge variation in extravasation-related injuries depending on the reaction of the patient’s skin and the damage sustained by the nerves, tendons and joints. This is invariably related to the toxicity of the medication extravasated.
Symptoms and signs of extravasation surrounding the IV site frequently include:
- Pain, burning or stinging
- Swelling or oedema
- Subsequent blanching, discolouration and blistering of the skin.
- Persistent induration (increased fibrous tissue in the skin) or sclerosis
- Development of the indurated skin into dry black eschar (dead tissue) within 1 or 2 weeks. This usually sloughs off to reveal an ulcer.
- Damage caused by extravasation can continue months after the incident has taken place.
- Unresolved tissue necrosis may require surgical debridement followed by skin grafting. If not treated correctly permanent disability or even death may ensue.
- Other long-term injuries following extravasation include nerve damage, compartment syndrome, loss of mobility in the affected extremity, and thrombosis.
