M Morgado, M Mendes, R Oliveira, S Morgado.
Hospital Centre of Cova da Beira, Pharmaceutical Services, Covilhã, Portugal; University of Beira Interior, Health Sciences Faculty, Covilhã, Portugal
Background The administration of intravenous cytotoxic drugs plays a key role in cancer treatment and due to the overall increase in intravenous chemotherapy there has been an increasing incidence of chemotherapy extravasation. Therefore, it is advisable to have updated guidelines that direct the treatment of intravenous cytotoxics extravasation.
Purpose To develop guidelines for the treatment of cytotoxic extravasation, which contained the management algorithms,antidotes and treatments that should be performed, as well as risk factors and strategies to prevent extravasation.
Materials and Methods A literature review was performed, through research and analysis of guidelines and articles obtained from PubMed since January/2000 to September/2012, intersecting
the terms ‘cytotoxic extravasation’, ‘chemotherapy extravasation’ and ‘extravasation treatment’. The summary of product characteristics of all of intravenous cytotoxics available in Portugal was also reviewed. Some holders of market authorization were also contacted whenever we considered additional information was required.
Results A total of 42 intravenous antineoplastics available in Portugal were analysed, distributed as follows based on tissue injury after extravasation: 16 vesicant products, 16 irritants and 10 neutral products. A summary table was created with the risk factors (e.g., vesicant drugs, higher drug concentrations, previous vinca alkaloids, elderly, impaired sensory perception, generalised vascular disease) and measures that prevent extravasation (e.g. ensure that the IV site can be clearly visualised, do not use a butterfl y needle with a vesicant drug). Nine individual algorithms were developed, according to the latest guidelines, which guide the work of healthcare professionals in case of extravasation (e.g., measures for immediate treatment, applying heat/cold, recommended antidote and instructions for its use). A list was drawn up with all cytotoxics, each being identified with a colour, which corresponded to the colour of the separator with the algorithm to treat its extravasation. An extravasation kit was also designed and a model for document the appropriate recording of extravasation and clinical monitoring of the patient.
Conclusions The guidelines developed are a valuable tool for all hospital services that prepare and administer injectable chemotherapy, contributing to responding quickly and effectively to episodes
of extravasation.
Reference Eur J Hosp Pharm 2013;20(Suppl 1):A1–238
Hospital Centre of Cova da Beira, Pharmaceutical Services, Covilhã, Portugal; University of Beira Interior, Health Sciences Faculty, Covilhã, Portugal
Background The administration of intravenous cytotoxic drugs plays a key role in cancer treatment and due to the overall increase in intravenous chemotherapy there has been an increasing incidence of chemotherapy extravasation. Therefore, it is advisable to have updated guidelines that direct the treatment of intravenous cytotoxics extravasation.
Purpose To develop guidelines for the treatment of cytotoxic extravasation, which contained the management algorithms,antidotes and treatments that should be performed, as well as risk factors and strategies to prevent extravasation.
Materials and Methods A literature review was performed, through research and analysis of guidelines and articles obtained from PubMed since January/2000 to September/2012, intersecting
the terms ‘cytotoxic extravasation’, ‘chemotherapy extravasation’ and ‘extravasation treatment’. The summary of product characteristics of all of intravenous cytotoxics available in Portugal was also reviewed. Some holders of market authorization were also contacted whenever we considered additional information was required.
Results A total of 42 intravenous antineoplastics available in Portugal were analysed, distributed as follows based on tissue injury after extravasation: 16 vesicant products, 16 irritants and 10 neutral products. A summary table was created with the risk factors (e.g., vesicant drugs, higher drug concentrations, previous vinca alkaloids, elderly, impaired sensory perception, generalised vascular disease) and measures that prevent extravasation (e.g. ensure that the IV site can be clearly visualised, do not use a butterfl y needle with a vesicant drug). Nine individual algorithms were developed, according to the latest guidelines, which guide the work of healthcare professionals in case of extravasation (e.g., measures for immediate treatment, applying heat/cold, recommended antidote and instructions for its use). A list was drawn up with all cytotoxics, each being identified with a colour, which corresponded to the colour of the separator with the algorithm to treat its extravasation. An extravasation kit was also designed and a model for document the appropriate recording of extravasation and clinical monitoring of the patient.
Conclusions The guidelines developed are a valuable tool for all hospital services that prepare and administer injectable chemotherapy, contributing to responding quickly and effectively to episodes
of extravasation.
Reference Eur J Hosp Pharm 2013;20(Suppl 1):A1–238
