Name of the Procedure:

Injection, Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate, up to 100 mg

• Common Name: Hydrocortisone Injection
• Medical Term: J1720 Injection

Summary

An injection of hydrocortisone sodium succinate is a procedure where a corticosteroid is administered to reduce inflammation in the body. It provides fast-acting relief for various conditions requiring a reduction in immune response.

Purpose

The procedure primarily addresses conditions involving inflammation and immune system overactivity, such as arthritis, severe allergies, and asthma. The goals are to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Indications

• Severe allergic reactions
• Asthma exacerbations
• Rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups
• Acute adrenal insufficiency
• Other inflammatory conditions requiring fast intervention

Preparation

• Fasting is usually not required.
• Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking.
• Pre-procedure diagnostic tests, such as blood work or imaging, may be conducted to assess the underlying condition.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, usually seated or lying down.
2. The injection site (commonly the upper arm, thigh, or gluteal muscle) is cleaned with an antiseptic.
3. The healthcare provider uses a sterile syringe to draw up to 100 mg of hydrocortisone sodium succinate.
4. The solution is injected intramuscularly or intravenously, depending on the condition.
5. The injection site is covered with a small bandage.

Tools:

• Antiseptic solution
• Sterile syringe and needle
• Bandage

Anesthesia:

• Local anesthesia is typically not required for this intramuscular injection. Intravenous injections can sometimes involve mild sedation.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes, including preparation and post-injection observation.

Setting

This injection can be administered in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and sometimes even at home under medical supervision.

Personnel

• Physician or specialized nurse
• Occasionally, an anesthesiologist or a technician may be involved, especially for intravenous administration

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Pain at the injection site, redness, mild swelling
• Rare Complications: Infection, allergic reactions to the medication, systemic side effects like increased blood sugar or blood pressure

Benefits

The expected benefits include rapid relief from inflammatory symptoms, improved breathing in asthmatic patients, and overall enhancement of daily functioning. These effects can be noticed within hours to a few days.

Recovery

• Post-procedure observation for immediate adverse reactions.
• Minimal to no downtime; normal activities can usually be resumed shortly after.
• Follow-up appointments may be needed for chronic conditions to adjust treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Oral corticosteroids: Slower onset, but non-invasive.
• NSAIDs: For milder inflammation, but with risks of gastrointestinal issues.
• Biologic agents: Used in chronic inflammatory conditions but are costlier and have specific clinical criteria.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient might feel a brief sting or pinch at the injection site. The area might be sore for a short period afterward. Pain management is typically not needed beyond mild analgesics like acetaminophen. Comfort measures include staying relaxed and potentially using a cold pack on the injection site to reduce soreness.