Successful combined treatment with total parenteral nutrition fluid extravasation injuries in preterm infants

Abstract

Extravasation injuries in the neonatal intensive care unit are not rare during parenteral hyperalimentation. There have been many different methods of management. We report five premature infants with wounds of hyperalimentation fluid extravasation managed by the antibacterial ointment (Terramycin ophthalmic ointment (TM)) and sesame oil and a antiinflammatory herbal mixture (MEBO (TM)). The mean gestational age of patients was 31(+2) weeks (range, 28(+4) to 35(+6) weeks), and the mean weight at extravasation was 1,930 g (range, 1,140 to 2,680 g). Extravasation occurred within the mean of 32 days (range, 17 to 50 days). The method of dressing was application of a thick layer of this mixture covered by vaseline and wet gauze renewed at an interval of 8-12 hr after irrigating the wounds thoroughly with normal saline. The mean duration of dressing was 30 days (range, 20-50 days). The wounds had healed completely leaving a small size of contracture without functional abnormality. We conclude that this therapy may be considered for an alternative treatment and warrants clinical trials for the confirmation of the local management of extravasation injury.