Local massage with safflower oil for phlebitis following peripheral intravenous catheters

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the curative effect of local massage with safflower oil in patients with phlebitis following peripheral intravenous catheters. Methods A total of 71 patients with phlebitis following peripheral intravenous catheters were randomly divided into 2 groups, a safflower oil group with 36 cases, and a magnesium sulfate group with 35 cases. The magnesium sulfate group was treated by local external application of 33% magnesium sulfate on phlebitis at the puncture site, while the safflower oil group was treated by external application of safflower oil 3~5 cm around the peripheral vein puncture site and massage. Both groups were treated for 48 h. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain degree, marking method to label the local red swelling area. Results The VAS score (0.81 ± 0.13 vs. 0.94 ± 0.11；t=4.543，P<0.01) at 48 h after the treatment, and the local red swelling area at 24 h (3.62 ± 1.22 cm2vs. 4.42 ± 1.72 cm2；t=2.335，P=0.022) and 48 h (1.07 ± 0.25 cm2vs. 3.26 ± 1.07 cm2；t=11.952，P<0.01) after the treatment in the safflower oil group were significant lower or smaller than the magnesium sulfate group. Conclusions Local massage with safflower oil can effectively alleviate the severity of phlebitis, relieve symptoms, reduce the score of VAS and local red swelling area, and promote the damaged tissue to restore normal. Key words: Phlebitis; Infusions, intravenous; Safflower oil; Massage; Magnesium sulfate