Complications related to the use of peripheral venous catheters: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the complications deriving from the use and type of peripheral venous catheter in adults. Methods: Randomized clinical trial; undertaken at a teaching hospital between 2012 and 2015; 169 adults were included who were hospitalized at clinical and surgical services and needed peripheral venipuncture with an expected dwelling time of more than 96 hours. Through systemized randomization, 90 participants were allocated to the trial group (complete safety catheter) and 79 to the control group (short flexible catheter). Results: The general complications rate was 55.62%, with 18.34% of phlebitis, 11.83% infiltration, 11.24% obstruction and 9.47% traction. No significant difference was found between the groups for the occurrence of complications, phlebitis, obstruction and traction. Conclusion: The complication rate in peripheral venous catheterization was high but, when compared, without a statistically significant difference, the complete safety catheter showed lower complication rates after the fourth day of survival.