Thrombophlebitis in the elderly

Treatment of the elderly patient can be significantly compromised by complications which are less troublesome in younger individuals. In the authors' experience this has been the case with septic thrombophlebitis secondary to intravenous infusion. Thirteen patients over 65 years of age presented with septic thrombophlebitis during the course of hospitalization for a variety of diseases. All infections occurred in an upper extremity site of polyethylene catheter insertion. Twenty-five per cent of patients had proven bacteremia and clinically recorded septicemia, with Staphylococcus aureus as the most common organism. Treatment consisted of either a full course of intravenous antibiotics or more commonly surgical therapy (either incision and drainage or resection of the involved vein). Three patients required extensive procedures including muscle debridement and fasciotomy. The mean hospital stay of 19 days was largely related to thrombophlebitis and not primary disease. There was one mortality. Prevention of this condition by meticulous attention to sites of intravenous infusion and frequent changing of these sites rather than treatment after the fact provides the safest mode of patient care.