Infiltration is the diffusion or accumulation (in a tissue or cells) of foreign substances in amounts excess of the normal. The material collected in those tissues or cells is called infiltrate.
As part of a disease process, infiltration is sometimes used to define the invasion of cancer cells into the underlying matrix or the blood vessels. Similarly, the term may describe the deposition of amyloid protein. During leukocyte extravasation, white blood cells move in response to cytokines from within the blood, into the diseased or infected tissues, usually in the same direction as a chemical gradient,[1] in a process called chemotaxis. The presence of lymphocytes in tissue in greater than normal numbers is likewise called infiltration.
As part of medical intervention, local anaesthetics may be injected at more than one point so as to infiltrate an area prior to a surgical procedure. However, the term may also apply to unintended iatrogenic leakage of fluids from phlebotomy or intravenous drug delivery procedures, a process also known as extravasation or "tissuing".
Infiltration may be caused by:
The signs and symptoms of infiltration include:
| Grade | Skin appearance | Edema | Skin on examination | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0. | No symptoms | |||
| 1. | Skin blanched | Edema < 1 inch in any direction | Cool to touch | With or without pain |
| 2. | Skin blanched | Edema 1-6 inches in any direction | Cool to touch | With or without pain |
| 3. | Skin blanched, translucent | Gross edema > 6 inches in any direction | Cool to touch | Mild-moderate pain Possible numbness |
| 4. | Skin blanched, translucent Skin tight, leaking Skin discolored, bruised, swollen |
Gross edema > 6 inches in any direction Deep pitting tissue edema |
Circulatory impairment | Moderate-severe pain Infiltration or any amount of blood product, irritant, or vesicant |
The use of warm compresses to treat infiltration has become controversial. It has been found that cold compresses may be better for some infiltrated infusates. If the infiltration is recent and the solution was hypertonic or had an increased pH, a cold compress can be applied. A warm compress can be applied if a small amount of non-caustic solution has infiltrated over a long period, or if the solution is isotonic with normal pH.
It has also been documented that elevation of the infiltrated extremity may be painful for the patient.
To act in the best interest of the patient, following IV infiltration, consult with the physician for orders regarding compresses and elevation.