Perineal pruritus after intravenous administration of hydrocortisone sodium phosphate

Pintor Holguín E, Domínguez Fernández N, Rubio Alonso M, González Murillo AP, Herreros Ruiz-Valdepeñas B

Objectives: To determine the frequency of genital pruritus after intravenous

administration of hydrocortisone and the associated risk factors.

Methods: Observational, prospective study of patients who received intravenous

hydrocortisone sodium phosphate in the emergency department of La Paz Hospital

between December 2007 and May 2008. The variables studied included age, sex, dose,

form of administration, onset of pruritus, the severity of itching, and concomitant

medication.

Results: We included 54 patients, of whom 39 were males (72.5%). The mean age was

56.9 years. The dose administered was 200 mg in 30 patients (55.6%) and 100 mg in the

remainder. In total, 26 patients developed anogenital pruritus (48.1%). Itching lasted

between 5 and 45 seconds and resolved spontaneously. Significant differences were

observed with respect to age (the mean age of the patients with pruritus was lower) and

the infusion method used (the higher the concentration used and the faster the drug was

administered, the greater the probability of pruritus).

Conclusions: Transient pruritus following administration of intravenous hydrocortisone

sodium phosphate is a common side effect that affects younger people and is associated

with bolus administration. Dilution of the drug in 50 mL of saline solution, whenever

possible, can prevent the appearance of this side effect.

Domínguez Fernández N, González Murillo AP, Herreros Ruiz-Valdepeñas B, Pintor Holguín E, Rubio Alonso M