Study on incidence of phlebitis following the use of pherpheral intravenous catheter

Context: Peripheral vein cannulation is commonly performed for rapid and accurate administration of medications. Phlebitis is one of the commonest complications that develop after intravenous catheter application. Aims: This study aims to investigate the incidence of phlebitis and to evaluate factors contributing to the development of phlebitis. Settings and Design: This was a prospective observational study conducted on patients admitted at 4 Air Force Hospital Kalaikunda. Methods: Study conducted on 150 patients who were admitted to the medical and surgical division of the hospital during the period from July 2018 to April 2019. The factors studied were age, gender, site of insertion, place of insertion, cannula size, IV medications, and blood products used. Phlebitis was graded using Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score. Statistical Analysis Used: The incidence of phlebitis was expressed in percentage and odds ratio was calculated to estimate the effects of suspected risk factors. Results: Incidence of phlebitis was found to be 31.4% from our study. The increased incidence rate of phlebitis was seen in the female gender, age less than 60 years, insertion in the lower limb, large catheter size, catheters inserted in emergency situations, and IV drugs administration. Conclusion: Phlebitis is an important on-going problem in present-day clinical practice. Avoiding of preventable risk factors, proper nursing care, and daily inspection of catheters needed for prevention of phlebitis.