Occurrence of Phlebitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Clinical Practice
• Nursing Research

Background:

• Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are widely used but associated with phlebitis.
• Phlebitis occurrence is linked to catheter gauge, insertion site, and duration.
• No prior meta-analysis has examined these specific factors' impact on phlebitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if catheter gauge (≤20 vs. >20), insertion site (antecubital fossa vs. other), or duration (>96 vs. ≤96 hours) significantly affects phlebitis rates.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for optimizing PVC use.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search (2006-2017) across CINAHL, PubMed, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library.
• Meta-analysis of 14 studies involving 4,343 patients and 5,846 PVCs using Comprehensive Meta-analysis Version 2.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in phlebitis risk between smaller and larger gauge catheters (RR=0.88, p=.380).
• No significant difference in phlebitis risk between antecubital fossa and other upper limb insertion sites (RR=1.05, p=.696).
• No significant difference in phlebitis risk between catheter durations >96 hours and ≤96 hours (RR=1.13, p=.779).

Conclusions:

• Catheter gauge, insertion site, and duration of insertion do not significantly influence phlebitis occurrence.
• Findings can inform hospital management decisions on PVC selection.
• Future research should explore other potential factors contributing to phlebitis.