Journal of

Background: Using vein by Peripheral Catheter is one of the important ways to provid water, electrolytes, medications and nutrients to patients in hospitals and other therapeutic centers. Phlebitis is an important complication of using peripheral cannula. This study performed to determine the incidence of phlebitis related to peripheral cannulae, and its effecting factors.

Materials and Methods: This prospective and analytical study was conducted in adult's medical- surgical units of Shahid Sadoughi Yazd. Two hundred ninety seven cannulae of 297 patients were assessed. Phlebitis was identified by the presence of at least two following symptoms including local pain, redness, swelling, warmth and palpable venous cord.

Results: The mean of patients' age was 40.82±19.48 (12-91 yrs.). The phlebitis incidence rate was 14.1%. Some factors such as smoking (P=0.007), diabetes (P=0.001) had positive and significant association with phlebitis incidence rate. Odd Ratio for smoking and diabetes were 3.107(CI=1.310-7.372, 95%) and 3.736(CI=1.736-8.039, 95%) respectively.

Conclusion: Study findings revealed that overall incidence rate of phlebitis compare with other similar studies was low. Study results indicated high phlebitis incidence in smokers, diabetic patients, and elder patients which can be prevented by considering phlebitis incidence in impatiens.