Ointment therapy and prevention of cannulation-induced superficial phlebitis

Abstract

The primary aim of this prospective randomized trial is to determine the effect of clobetasol ointment with nitroglycerin ointment on the prevention of phlebitis caused by cannulation. The target sample is 144 patients admitted to surgical ward, randomized to 3 groups. the data collection tools included demographic information, information about intravenous treatment and phlebitis measurement scale. In the intervention groups, after venipuncture, 1.5 cm of ointments (clobetasol and nitroglycerin) was applied n three time periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours from the time of venipuncture. In the first 24 hours after cannulation, there was no significant difference between the three groups. But at 48 and 72 hours after placement, the difference between intervention and control groups was significant (P<0.0001). It is recommended to use clobetasol ointment and nitroglycerin ointment to prevent the occurrence of phlebitis in patients who need long-term use of cannula (more than 48 hours).