A Rare Complication of Intravenous Phenytoin Induced Purple Glove Syndrome

Abstract

Purple Glove Syndrome is a relatively uncommon complication of intravenous phenytoin administration withclinical manifestations of pain, edema, and purple-blue discoloration at the injection site. Here we report a caseof Purple Glove syndrome induced by intravenous administration of phenytoin. The case report describes about a75-year-old male, who presented to the Emergency Department with chief complaints of generalized tonic - clonicseizures for which he was managed with Inj. Phenytoin. Later patient sensorium improved and 4 hours later thepatient had pain and swelling over the left hand and wrist distal to the IV cannula site followed by reddish-purplediscoloration over the edematous site. Left upper limb Doppler was done & it showed left-hand cellulitis with noevidence of thrombus. Then the patient was reassured and treated with removal of IV cannula, left-hand elevation,warmth application, analgesics and change of antiepileptics. Such medications like phenytoin should be handledcarefully to avoid difficulties in the future. Early detection, rapid monitoring, and management are essential.