Duration of peripheral intravenous catheter use and development of phlebitis

Abstract

Background Phlebitis is a common complication in patients with
peripheral intravenous catheters, in addition to extravasation and
bacterial colonization. Phlebitis may increase morbidity and length
of hospitalization. One factor contributing to the rate of phlebitis is
the duration of peripheral intravenous catheter use. Several adult
studies have shown that the risk of developing phlebitis increased
when the peripheral intravenous catheter was used for more than
72 hours. However, in pediatric patients this risk has not been
consistently observed. As such, there is no recommendation for
routine catheter removal every 72 hours in children.
Objective To assess for a possible relationship between duration
of peripheral intravenous catheter use and the development of
phlebitis.
Methods This analytic observational study had a case control
design. Subjects consisted of 73 case subjects and 73 control
subjects. We collected subj ects' data through history-taking and
clinical examinations. The duration of peripheral intravenous
catheter use was reported in hours.
Results From October 2011 to February 2012, 146 children from
the Department of Child Health at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo
Hosp ital and Tangerang Hospital who used peripheral intravenous
catheters were enrolled in this study. There was no significant
difference between <7 2-hour and 2: 72-hour duration of
peripheral catheter use (OR 1.31; 95%CI 0.687 to 2.526;
P= 0.407) on the development of phlebitis.
Conclusion We observe no relationship between duration of
peripheral intravenous catheter use and the development of
phlebitis in our subjects.