Related Experiment Videos
Severe necrosis due to paclitaxel extravasation
1Department of Pharmacy, Scott & White Clinic, Temple, Texas, USA.
Pharmacotherapy
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Paclitaxel, an antineoplastic drug, can cause severe skin necrosis from extravasation, even with delayed reactions. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution with prolonged paclitaxel infusions due to its vesicant properties.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Paclitaxel is a crucial antineoplastic agent used for breast and ovarian carcinomas.
- Historically, paclitaxel extravasation was viewed as a local irritant.
- Emerging evidence suggests paclitaxel may possess vesicant properties.
Observation:
- A patient developed a delayed, severe vesicant reaction following a 24-hour peripheral paclitaxel infusion.
- No immediate symptoms were noted during the infusion.
- Eleven days post-infusion, the patient reported progressive pain, erythema, and central necrosis at the extravasation site.
Findings:
- The patient's necrosis required surgical debridement and closure.
- This case highlights the potential for severe, delayed vesicant reactions to paclitaxel.
- Paclitaxel extravasation can lead to significant tissue damage.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must recognize paclitaxel's vesicant potential.
- Awareness of extravasation hazards is critical for patient safety.
- Prolonged peripheral paclitaxel infusions should be avoided or administered with extreme caution.