INCIDENCE AND CLINICAL CONSEQUENCE OF THE PURPLE GLOVE SYNDROME IN PATIENTS RECEIVING INTRAVENOUS PHENYTOIN

Objective: To determine the incidence, risk factors, and long-term seq uelae of the purple glove syndrome (PGS) in hospital patients receivin g IV phenytoin. Background: PGS is a poorly understood, potentially se rious local complication of IV phenytoin administration characterized by progressive distal limb edema, discoloration, and pain. Methods: Th e pharmacologic records of the Mayo Foundation hospitals were reviewed to identify 179 consecutive patients who had IV phenytoin ordered dur ing a 3-month period. Their hospital records were then reviewed to con firm IV phenytoin treatment, the frequency of PGS (defined as the prog ressive development of edema, discoloration, and pain in the limb afte r administration of IV phenytoin), and the outcome of PGS. Results: A total of 152 patients received IV phenytoin, and nine (5.9%) developed PGS. PGS patients received a greater median initial dose of phenytoin , total 24-hour dose, and total number of doses (all p < 0.05). In add ition, the median age of the PGS patients was older, their infusion wa s more often given for acute seizures, it was less likely to be admini stered in the operating room, and the length of their hospital stay wa s longer (all p < 0.05). One patient required surgical therapy, and al l other patients resolved within 3 weeks with conservative management. Conclusions: PGS is not rare and elderly patients and individuals rec eiving large, multiple doses are particularly at risk. This iatrogenic complication may be preventable by substituting fosphenytoin for IV p henytoin.