Tissue damage from extravasation depends on the concentration of the drug in the tissue. Therefore, the best extravasation treatment is for the medical staff to be vigilant and assess an infusion of a vesicant drug every 15-20 minutes or so. Even under those circumstances, extravasation can occur. If the vesicant drug that extravasates is a vinca alkaloid, warm packs are often applied to to the affected areas. The presiding physician is notified immediately of the extravasation, and should be told of the vesicant drug and the concentration given.
Streptococci are a large group of gram-positive, nonmotile, nonâspore-forming cocci about 0.5-1.2Âµm in size. They often grow in pairs or chains and are negative for oxidase and catalase. S pyogenes tends to colonize the upper respiratory tract and is highly virulent as it overcomes the host defense system.
There are many other types of streptococci (species of Streptococcus), including group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and Streptococcus pneumoniae, which cause other types of infections and should not be confused with group A strep.