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Published on: July 13, 2019
Evaluation of Peripheral Intravenous Catheter-Induced Local Complications in Pediatrics
Baraka M R Abusafia1, Handan Boztepe1
1Department of Pediatric Nursing, Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Peripheral intravenous catheter complications are common in children, with infiltration being the most frequent. Securing the catheter site is crucial for preventing issues like phlebitis, especially in younger children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Vascular Access Devices
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in hospitalized children.
- Complications associated with PIVCs are common and impact patient care.
- Effective management of PIVCs is essential for pediatric patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and types of local complications in pediatric patients with PIVCs.
- To identify factors influencing PIVC-related complications in children.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 100 children (201 PIVC insertions).
- Data collected using standardized "Patient and Disease-Related Data Collection Form" and "Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization Observation Form".
- Study conducted in a children's hospital between February and May 2015.
Main Results:
- Nearly half (49.7%) of PIVC insertions resulted in complications.
- Infiltration was the most common complication (72.0%), followed by mechanical issues (22.0%) and phlebitis (6.0%).
- Complication rates were higher in children under 3 years old; phlebitis occurred when catheter sites were not secured.
Conclusions:
- Catheter site security is a significant predictor of PIVC complications.
- Avoidance of lower extremities for PIVC insertion may reduce infiltration.
- Enhanced interventions for catheter site selection and management are recommended.
Aim:
This study was conducted to evaluate the local complications in children who had a peripheral intravenous catheter.
Background:
Currently, the insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters occurs in most children that are hospitalized. However, the development of some complications associated with the insertion of these catheters are unavoidable. A significant aspect of nursing care is to ensure the safety of the placement and management of peripheral intravenous catheters in children.
Design:
The prospective cohort study design was used in the study, and the data of the study were collected between February 3, 2015 and May 17, 2015 by using the "Patient and Disease-Related Data Collection Form" and the "Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization Observation Form".
Methods:
The population of the study consisted of 100 children (201 catheters) who received inpatient treatment from the internal medicine and surgery services of a children's hospital.
Results:
A total of 201 catheter placements were observed, and 100 (49.7%) of them developed complications. It was determined that infiltration ranked first among the complications at 72.0% (n=72), followed by mechanical complications at 22.0% (n=22) and phlebitis at 6.0% (n=6). While the complications developed mostly in children under the age of 3 years (67.7%), complications developed least commonly among children aged ≥10 (33.3%). All phlebitis cases were confirmed in children whose catheter site could not be secured.
Conclusions:
The rate of complications was predicted for the catheterization site, and the security of the catheter determined the rate of complications. Children's gender, body mass index, hemoglobin values, and reason for hospitalization were not significant predictors of complications.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
In light of the study's results, infiltration is more commonly observed in lower extremities and other areas, it is suggested that these areas should be avoided for peripheral intravenous catheterization. More effective interventions are recommended for determination of the catheter site. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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