Incidence of phlebitis among children having peripheral intravenous line in selected hospital, Siliguri

Abstract

Background: Vascular access is the most common and widely used medical device in hospital setting especially peripheral intravenous line rather than central venous line and it is more essential in the pediatric and newborn group in accessing and maintaining a safe and reliable venous access for continuous management. Though it is the most common procedure, complication like phlebitis, extravasation, induration, dislodgement related to PIVC are also high. Methods: A prospective cohort study which included 86 children of age 1-7 years admitted in pediatric ward in selected hospital, Siliguri during the year 2023 in the month of May and June. Objective of the study was to find out the incidence of phlebitis among children admitted in pediatric ward. Observational method was adopted to collect data from the participants. Jackson’s VIP scale and FLACC scale was used to collect data along with demographic variables and peripheral intravenous catheter characteristics. Results: The study revealed that all the 86 children developed phlebitis where 64% of children developed phlebitis Grade 2 of phlebitis and 19% grade 3 on day 2 from the day of insertion where on day 3 8% had grade 2 and 9% had grade 3. The mean duration of PIVC was 53.11±0.87 hours and the major risk factor associated with phlebitis was site of insertion (OR=33.8, 95% CI-0.5, 207). Conclusions: By identifying early signs of phlebitis among children, one can manage it at appropriate time and can reduce the further complication related to the PIVC.