Risk factors for extravasation in peripheral catheters in children with cancer

Abstract

Objective: To estimate extravasation incidence related to short peripheral intravenous catheters in children and adolescents with cancer and its association with demographic, clinical, catheterization and previously used intravenous therapy characteristics. Methods: This was a longitudinal and prospective study, carried out with children/adolescents aged between 29 days and 16 years, hospitalized in an oncology unit of a pediatric hospital, submitted to the administration of drugs and solutions through a short peripheral intravenous catheter. Data collection took place through observation of peripheral intravenous catheterization and participants’ medical records. Results: A total of 299 peripheral intravenous catheters were assessed, performed in 73 children and 23 adolescents, with an incidence of extravasation of 8.7%. According to multivariate analysis, risk factors for extravasation occurrence were history of difficulty in peripheral venous puncture, previous intravenous therapy use, occurrence of complications, inability to visualize and palpate the vein. Conclusion: A high incidence of extravasation was observed in children and adolescents with cancer in a city in the state of Bahia, associated with previous intravenous therapy use, history of complications, history of difficulty in peripheral intravenous catheterization, lack of vein visibility and palpability.