Risk factors for infusion-related phlebitis with small peripheral venous catheters: a randomized controlled trial

Article Abstract:

Approximately 25 million people in the US receive intravenous therapy each year. One complication associated with the use of intravenous catheters is phlebitis, an inflammation of the vein through which the intravenous solution is given. Signs of phlebitis include pain, redness, swelling, pus, and a cord, or hardened vein. Some of the factors that increase the risk of phlebitis include the length, material, and size of the catheter, the length of time the catheter stays in place, the skill of the person placing the catheter, and the material infused. A study was performed to compare the incidence of phlebitis in patients with catheters made of either FEP-Teflon (574 patients) or PEU-Vialon (480 patients). Neither catheter caused bacteremia, infection of the bloodstream with bacteria, and both had low rates of local infection at the site of the intravenous line. The duration of catheter placement was found to be important in increasing risk of phlebitis for both materials. The infusion of certain medications through intravenous catheters carries a high risk of phlebitis. These include potassium solutions, certain antibiotics, and some cancer chemotherapy agents. The catheters made of PEU-Vialon were found to have about 30 percent less risk of producing phlebitis than those made of FEP-Teflon. Some strategies for reducing the incidence of phlebitis might include using the PEU-Vialon catheters, rotating the site of the catheter frequently, and using skilled persons to insert them. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Methods, Risk factors, Thrombophlebitis, Intravenous catheterization

---

The risk of midline catheterization in hospitalized patients: a prospective study

Article Abstract:

Risks associated with using midline catheters may generally be low, but use of the Landmark midline catheter may result in allergic reactions to the material from which it is made. Midline catheters are inserted into peripheral veins for the purpose of administering drugs or nourishment. Researchers placed 251 Landmark midline catheters in 238 hospital inpatients who needed at least seven days of catheterization. The incidence of bloodstream infection caused by catheters was 0.8 per 1000 catheter days. Two patients had severe allergic reactions that may have been linked to the Landmark catheters. Both reactions occurred right after catheters were inserted, and allergic symptoms resolved shortly after catheters were removed. Other reports of allergic reactions to Landmark catheters have been submitted to the Food and Drug Administration.

---

Reactions associated with midline catheters for intravenous access

Article Abstract:

Several cases of allergic reactions to a particular intravenous midline catheter may point out the importance of reporting to the government any harmful reactions to new medical devices. A recent study of intravenous midline catheters found three serious allergic reactions to the Landmark midline catheter, which is made of elastomeric hydrogel, but no such reactions to Teflon catheters. The Freedom of Information Act was employed to obtain information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 53 other reports of reactions to the Landmark catheter. New medical devices should be tested in scientific studies for their safety and effectiveness. All harmful reactions to medical products should be reported to the FDA. The Landmark catheter may need to be analyzed more extensively in a randomized study.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Group interpersonal psychotherapy for depression in rural Uganda: a randomized controlled trial. Interventions for depression symptoms among adolescent survivors of war and displacement in northern Uganda
• Abstracts: Efficacy of outpatient induction with low-dose intravaginal prostaglandin E2: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
• Abstracts: Early versus late amniotomy for labor induction: a randomized trial. Comparison between oral and intramuscular dexamethasone in suppressing unconjugated estriol levels during the third trimester
• Abstracts: Limiting federal aid for poor elderly: bill caps Medicaid use for Medicare cost-share, raises access concerns. part 2
• Abstracts: Automated scheduling system offers several advantages. Conversion to paperless records may not be that hard. A paperless office - in practice

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.