Open Access: View PDF

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijaa.2349.8471.51218.9

Abstract

  Background: Phlebitis refers to the inflammation of a vein which can occur after repetitive intravenous injections through peripheral or central venous cannulation. Various preventive modalities are available but, none has been established Topical heparin drops have an edge over other therapeutic modalities being a non­aqueous, non­volatile, non­irritant and non­staining with significant penetration through the skin.

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical heparin for the prevention of phlebitis. Study design: A prospective, randomised and double blind study. Material and Methods: Two hundred patients were divided into two equal groups. Topical heparin sodium solution (1000IU/mL) was applied to one group following 3 hours of cannulation and was repeated every 8 hours for the next 72 hours. A placebo in the form of normal saline was applied to another. Statistical Analysis Used: It was done using SPSS 13. Values for pain and eight other variables associated with phlebitis were calculated before and after intervention in both the groups (Group A and Group B) where there were no signs of pain and phlebitis in the first place. The results were considered statistically significant if the p­value <0.05. Result: The redness around the cannula site and pain as assessed by VAS score was statistically significant between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The heparin sodium is effective as a prophylactic measure in reducing redness and pain following peripheral and central venous cannulation. 

Keywords : Phlebitis; Pain; Heparin; Prophylaxis; Peripheral Intravenous Cannula. 

Corresponding Author : Vaishali Syal, Tutor OTT, Department of Anesthesiology, Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (MMIMSR), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana 133207, India.