Peripheral intravenous infiltration necrosis

Peripheral extravasation of intravenous solutions containing calcium salts and/or 10% dextrose has caused significant local tissue necrosis in 8 patients, including 6 infants. These incidents prolonged hospitalization and in 5 cases caused severe disfigurement or imperiled limb function. Treatment followed established principles of debridement, early skin grafting and secondary reconstruction as needed. While intravenous alimentation or the administration of calcium salts if often indicated by the clinical situation, the physician administering these drugs must realize that extravasation may cause serious sequelae.