Acute gangrene of the hand following accidental intra-arterial injection of phenergan

ABSTRACT

this is a report of 4 cases of gangrene of the hand following the accidental intra-arterial injection of phenergan. Patients and in three of the patients, the phenergan was given as an anti-emetic for vomiting accompanying malaria. In the fourth patient, it was given as a sedative for a psychiatric patient having a violent episode. in three of the patients who were alert at the time of the injection there was immediate burning sensation at the injection site down the forearm, pain in the hand, and numbness and tingling. In the fourth patient, who was less alert, there was an uncomfortable sensation in the forearm and hand. Two of the patients required amputation at the distal forearm. One patient required amputation at the interphalangeal joint. The fourth patient required amputation at the terminal phalanx of the index finger. Conclusions: inadvertent intra-arterial injection of phenergan is associated with severe complications