Abstract:

Objective To investigate the related factors of infusion phlebitis in patients with tumor. Methods One hundred and nineteen patients with tumor were selected from three hospitals. Patients were observed for 5 d from the first day of infusion after admission, and the prevalences and severity of phlebitis were recorded. Related factors of infusion phlebitis were compared between patients with and without phlebitis and among patients with different severity of phlebitis, and risk factors of infusion phlebitis were further explored by multiple Logistic regression analysis. Results Phlebitis was observed in 57 patients (47.9%, 139 case-times). Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, history of phlebitis, poor physical status, long time of chemotherapy, large amount of infusion per day, potassium chloride infusion and receiving infusion through peripheral intravenous needle could increase the risks of phlebitis. Patients with diabetes mellitus, history of phlebitis, poor physical status, receiving infusion through peripheral intravenous needle and steel needle, long time of chemotherapy, large amount of infusion per day, potassium chloride infusion, chemotherapeutics infusion and nutrient solution infusion were more likely to have severe phlebitis. Conclusion Patients with tumor are high risk group of phlebitis, and the possible high risk factors include female gender, poor physical status, history of phlebitis and receiving chemotherapy. Irritant drugs may lead to obvious topical venous stimulation. Central venous catheter may be preferred due to obvious irritation through peripheral infusion.

Key words: phlebitis, tumor, infusion approach, irritant drug, related factor