Complications of peripheral intravenous catheters and risk factors for infiltration and phlebitis in children

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to identify the types of complications of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in hospitalised children and possible risk factors for the development of extravasation, infiltration and phlebitis. Method: The study was conducted in the largest children's hospital in a region of Turkey, with a bed capacity of 354 and 1400 employees, which provides care only to paediatric patients aged from newborn to 18 years old. In this 5-month prospective study, the complications of PIVCs in hospitalised children and risk factors leading to the development of extravasation, infiltration and phlebitis were recorded. During morning and afternoon daily visits, the researcher examined catheter sites for complications and indications for removal. Results: The study covered 244 patients aged from 1 month to 17 years, 575 PIVCs and 1600 catheter days. The rates of infiltration and phlebitis observed in children with PIVCs were 8.7 % and 15.8% respectively. Logistic regression revealed that using 22- and 24-gauge catheters, hospitalisation in the surgery ward and continuous infusion were significant independent risk factors for the development of infiltration (P<0.001). Direct logistic regression revealed that age in months, hospitalisation in a surgery ward and placement of the catheter in the veins of the antecubital fossa were significant independent risk factors for the development of phlebitis (P<0.001). Conclusion: Catheter size, hospitalisation in the surgery ward and continuous infusion contributed to the development of infiltration. Age, hospitalisation in the surgery ward and catheter placement in the antecubital vein contributed to the development of phlebitis.

On a quest to prevent harm and safeguard paediatric venous catheters – A randomized control trial protocol

“…In a recent article from the authors' centre focusing on central line bundles in different clinical settings, single-use prefilled flushing 0.9% sodium chloride syringes were found to be an important step in the central line bundle, and these bundles should be adapted to include PIVCs (Karaoğlan et al, 2022).…”

Factors Influencing Extravasation of Newborn Intravenous Infusions: A Review

“…[38][39][40] In addition, the delicate and complex nature of neonatal ward work, coupled with environmental factors such as instrument alarms and infant crying, can significantly impact nurses' emotional stability and psychological qualities, potentially affecting the success rate of punctures leading to neonatal extravasation. 41,42…”

Monitoring Peripheral Intravenous Catheters Complications in Pediatric Patients in Erbil City/Iraq

“…There was no statistically significant association between grads of PIVC complication and children's age and site of PIVC insertion. In contrast, another stated that age, hospitalization in surgery unit, insertion in antecubital vein have role in development of phlebitis study [20]. Results from another study revealed that younger ages are risk factors for PIVC complications in children [21].…”