Effects of a Clinically Indicated Peripheral Intravenous Replacement on Indwelling Time and Complications of Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PVCs) are common treatment modalities for pediatric patients, and may cause infection, infiltration, occlusion, and phlebitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a clinically indicated peripheral intravenous replacement (CIPIR) on PVC indwelling time and complication rates in pediatric patients. This study used a randomized, pre- and post-repeated measures design. A total of 283 participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 140) and a control group (n = 143). The experimental group received CIPIR and the control group received usual care with routine PVC replacement every three days. The insert sites of PVC were assessed every day until the signs of infiltration, occlusion, or phlebitis were presented. Patients in the experimental group had significantly longer PVC indwelling times compared to those in the control group (t = -18.447, p < 0.001). No significant differences were noted between groups in infiltration (chi(2) = 2.193, p = 0.139), occlusion (chi(2) = 0.498, p = 0.481), or phlebitis (chi(2) = 3.865, p = 0.050). CIPIR can prolong the PVC indwelling time in pediatric patients with no increase in the rate of adverse events.