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Accidental Intra Arterial Injection And Limb Ischemia
Abdul Malik1, Ikramullah1, Muhammad Gibran Khan1
1Cardiovascular Unit, Lady reading hospital Peshawar, Pakistan.
Accidental intra-arterial drug injections can cause severe limb ischemia and loss. Careful intravenous (IV) injection techniques are crucial to prevent these iatrogenic complications and preserve limb function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Accidental intra-arterial drug injections are iatrogenic complications or occur in drug abusers attempting intravenous (IV) access.
- These events are estimated to occur in 1:3500–1:56000 emergency department visits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, causes, and outcomes of accidental intra-arterial injections.
- To highlight the risk of limb ischemia and amputation following such events.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted in the cardiovascular department from January 2013 to August 2015.
- Defined accidental intra-arterial injection as an IV injection in the upper limb causing sudden severe pain and bluish discoloration.
- Data analyzed using SPSS-20, employing frequency, percentage, and Chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- Thirty patients (17 males, mean age 43.2±17.9 years) were studied.
- Diclofenac injection was the most frequent cause (43%) of limb ischemia.
- Limb or digit amputation occurred in 7 patients (23.1%).
Conclusions:
- Accidental intra-arterial injection poses a significant risk of limb ischemia and potential limb loss.
- Emphasizes the critical need for meticulous technique during IV drug administration to avoid arterial sites.
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