Factors associated with development of early symptoms of phlebitis in hospitalized patients in general wards: A retrospective study

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for early symptoms of phlebitis with peripheral intravenous catheters. Methods: This study involved 226 patients who were admitted to Hallym university Kangnam sacred heart hospital in Seoul. The analysis included 703 intravenous lines. Basic information was extracted from Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) primarily, and the detailed information was collected by reviewing the EMRs from September 21 in 2017 to October 31 in 2017. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, x2 test, and mixed effect logistic regression. Results: Of the intravenous lines, 4.1% involved early stage of phlebitis, and 36.3% involved early symptoms of phlebitis. Gender, needle gauge size and osmolarity of fluids were significant factors for early symptoms of phlebitis. Conclusion: To prevent serious phlebitis, rapid detection and intervention of early symptoms of phlebitis are needed. As multiple factors, including patient factors and intravenous infection factors, contribute to the development of phlebitis, a protocol should be developed to prevent infusionrelated phlebitis considering various risk factors.