Annals of internal medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Risk factors for infusion-related phlebitis with small peripheral venous catheters. A randomized controlled trial.
To identify risk factors for infusion-related phlebitis with peripheral intravenous catheters. ⋯ Multiple factors, including the infusate and the duration of cannulation, contribute to the development of infusion-related phlebitis. The use of peripheral intravenous catheters made of PEU-Vialon appears to pose the same risk for catheter-related infection as the use of catheters made of FEP-Teflon, and PEU-Vialon can permit longer cannulation with less risk for phlebitis. The risk for catheter-related bacteremia with FEP-Teflon and PEU-Vialon catheters is sufficiently low that it no longer seems justifiable to recommend the use of small steel needles for most peripheral intravenous therapy.