Management of Extravasation Injuries in Preterm Infants

Abstract

Extravasation injuries occur in up to 70% of neonates in intensive care, majority being preterm infants. Their fragile and premature anatomy makes prevention and management of extravasation extra difficult compared to those of full-term. With increasing advances of intensive care for preterm infants, the use of intravenous medication and nutrition will increase, thus lead to further potential risk of extravasation injuries, which has serious complications, such as full-thickness skin loss, tissue necrosis and acute limb compartment syndrome, with long-term functional and cosmetic sequelae. There is a current lack of evidence in the literature on the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for this vulnerable patient group. This review aims to highlight our trust regime on the management of extravasation injuries (non-chemotherapeutic) for preterm infants, including injury classification and assessment, and implementation of initial interventions.