[Glyceryl trinitrate patches during continuous intravenous infusions].

Area of Science:

• Medical Devices
• Pharmacology
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Venous occlusion is a common complication of continuous intravenous fluid therapy, potentially leading to device failure.
• Maintaining the patency of intravenous access devices (venflons) is crucial for effective patient treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 2.5 mg trinitroglycerine patches in preventing venous occlusion of venflons during continuous intravenous fluid therapy.
• To compare the incidence of venflon occlusion and thrombophlebitis between trinitroglycerine and placebo patches.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind study was conducted with patients receiving continuous intravenous fluid therapy.
• Patients were assigned to receive either 2.5 mg trinitroglycerine patches or placebo patches attached to the thorax.
• The primary outcome measured was the incidence of venflon removal due to occlusion.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant reduction in venflon occlusion was observed in the trinitroglycerine group (3 out of 41) compared to the placebo group (11 out of 40) within one week.
• Overall, 14 patches occluded, with 11 in the placebo group and 3 in the trinitroglycerine group (p = 0.018).
• No significant difference in the frequency of thrombophlebitis was noted between the groups.

Conclusions:

• 2.5 mg trinitroglycerine patches appear to improve the survival of venflons used for continuous intravenous fluid therapy.
• The application of trinitroglycerine patches to the thorax may enhance venflon patency.
• While headache was a side effect in some patients on trinitroglycerine, it did not typically require treatment withdrawal.