Peripheral Teflon catheters: factors determining incidence of phlebitis and duration of cannulation.
BACKGROUND
Catheter-related phlebitis is a frequent problem in the clinical setting. Risk factors for catheter-related phlebitis were assessed at a single tertiary-care institution where no routine change policy for peripheral intravenous catheters is in place.


METHODS
In a nonrandomized, observational trial, peripheral intravenous Teflon catheters were inserted in patients with a diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, solid tumor, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, other serious infection, or autoimmune disorder. Underlying disease, age, white blood cell count at the time of insertion, physician placing the catheter, catheter bore, duration of cannulation, reason for removal of the catheter, and visual inspection of the insertion site were recorded.


RESULTS
Four hundred twelve catheters were inserted in 175 patients. The number of catheterizations per episode varied between 1 and 7. Three hundred sixty-four (88.3%) catheter placements were evaluable. The mean duration of cannulation was 4.2 days. The overall incidence of phlebitis was 12.9%. Catheters in leukopenic patients showed a longer duration of cannulation compared with catheters in nonleukopenic patients, but no difference regarding the phlebitis rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings in this study partly contrast with data reported in the literature. In particular, leukopenia, female gender, prolonged duration of cannulation, antibiotics, and choice of insertion site could not be shown to be risk factors.
Cornely
Oliver A
OA
Department I of Internal Medicine, Cologne University Hospital, Germany.
Bethe
U
U
Pauls
Regina
R
Waldschmidt
D
D
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000150:complications; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene