What is the treatment for dopamine extravasation?

From the Research

Treatment for Dopamine Extravasation

The treatment for dopamine extravasation involves several steps to minimize tissue damage and promote healing.

• Prompt infiltration of the area with phentolamine and a local anesthetic, as well as local cooling and regional sympathetic block, may reduce the damage 1.
• Administration of subcutaneous phentolamine into the area of ischemia can lead to dramatic resolution of ischemic changes 2.
• Conservative management, including wound care, debridement of necrotic tissue, secondary wound healing, and intensive physical therapy, can also be effective 3.

Prevention of Dopamine Extravasation

To prevent dopamine extravasation, it is recommended to:

• Administer dopamine through a catheter placed into a large vein 1.
• Use a central intravenous access for dopamine infusion whenever possible 4.
• Infuse dopamine peripherally through a long intravenous catheter into a large vein, and inspect the infusion site frequently for early detection of extravasation 4.

Risks and Complications

Dopamine extravasation can cause significant local tissue injury, including tissue ischemia or necrosis secondary to vasospasm and extravasation 4.

• Even low-dose dopamine can cause severe vasoconstriction and ischemic tissue injury if extravasation occurs 4.
• High doses of dopamine can increase the risk of extravasation and tissue damage 5, 1.