Authors

Antonia Miranda Ruiz, Guadalupe Sojo González

Position

Diplomadas en Enfermería.

Contact address

SErvicio de Medicina Interna. U. Hospitalización 1100. Hospital Costa del Sol. Carretera Nacional 340, km.187. 29600 Marbella, Málaga.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of infection associated with phlebitis in peripheral venous catheters (PVC), the type of microorganisms involved and the associated risk factors.

Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study at the Internal Medicine Unity from February 1998 to March 1999. An intravascular segment was removed and cultured from the PVC of patients that showed signs of phlebitis and by means of univariant statistical analysis the possibility of infection was studied and compared with each variable.

Results: Following evaluation of the 113 PVC, the culture was positive in 39 cases (34,5%), 26 of them were canalised at the Emergency Room. The most frequently involved microorganism was the Staphylococcus epidermidis (66,6%). No relationship was found between infection and the variables of age, gender, length, PVC duration and heparinisation or non-heparinisation of the catheter. There is a correlation between chemical phlebitis (with negative culture) and patients with IV antibiotherapy (71,5%).

Conclusion: The frequency of infection associated to phlebitis in PVC carriers makes the revision and unification of PVC care protocols necessary.

Keywords:

phlebitis; peripheral venous catheterinfection

Versión en Español

Título:

Flebitis infecciosa y química relacionada con catéteres venosos periféricos