Comment: Pharmacy specialization.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to D A Solimando.
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An uncommon hypersensitivity reaction due to parenteral benzyl alcohol administration is reported. One patient treated with benzyl alcohol-preserved cytarabine, vincristine, and heparin solutions developed a systemic hypersensitivity reaction on three separate occasions. Hypersensitivity to benzyl alcohol was confirmed by skin testing. Clinically, the patient presented with a fever and a maculopapular rash on the chest and arms. None of the reactions were life-threatening or required hospitalization of the patient.
An uncommon side effect of the anthracycline antibiotics is allergic reactions. We report three patients treated with doxorubicin hydrochloride who developed systemic hypersensitivity reactions to the drug. In all three cases, the onset of the reaction coincided with the initiation of the doxorubicin, and was confirmed by rechallenge with the drug. An urticarial rash with pruritus was the primary clinical manifestation seen in all cases. All reactions responded to treatment with diphenhydramine, or diphenhydramine and hydrocortisone. None of the reactions were life-threatening or required hospitalization of the patient. In two patients, use of the drug was discontinued because of the reaction. Pretreatment with diphenhydramine, prednisone, and cimetidine may have reduced the severity of the reaction in one patient.
New agents used in cancer chemotherapy are continually appearing which, in turn, leads to newer patterns of toxicity. This report reviews experience with some upper extremity lesions associated with chemotherapy. Doxorubicin extravasation caused deep soft tissue necrosis that was successfully managed by aggressive excision and delayed coverage with a well-vascularized flap. Bleomycin resulted in palmar swelling, erythema, and digital pulp necrosis, which healed secondarily. Intravenous nitrogen mustard caused an immediate, and alarming, perivenous hyperpigmentation that was painless but long lasting. Bacille Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy was followed by a large, localized skin slough that was indolent, painful, and healed secondarily. 5-Fluorouracil was associated with permanent, dark pigmentation of the hands along with slough of the digital pulps. The myelosuppression resulting from combination therapy may also predispose these patients to fulminant hand infections, which can be lethal.
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