Correlation Between the Use of Vesicant Medications and The Incidence of Phlebitis in Pediatric Ward

Abstract

Background: Phlebitis is an inflammatory process that is characterized by inflamed venous endothelial cells. Vesicant medications are found to be one of the causes of phlebitis, especially in pediatric patients. Objective: To investigate the correlation between the use of vesicant medications and phlebitis incidence. Material and Methods: The study was descriptive observational conducted over the period of June–July 2022 in a pediatric ward. The inclusion criteria were male or female pediatric inpatients, aged 1 month–18 years, and receiving medication via intravenous infusion for >24 hours. The data obtained were then analyzed for correlations by using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results and Conclusion: A total of 174 patients met the inclusion criteria; 27.6% experienced phlebitis, and 37.9% received vesicant medications. The most frequently used vesicant medications in the pediatric ward was gentamicin (74.24%). The use of vesicants and administration of >3 intravenous drugs showed statistically significant results associated with the incidence of phlebitis, with RR: 4.17 (P < 0.001; CI = 2.1–8.3) and RR = 2.6 (P = 0.012; CI = 1.2–5.5), respectively. The multivariate test results showed that the use of vesicants was a risk factor for phlebitis, with OR = 4.41 (P < 0.001; CI = 2.0–9.7). The use of vesicants is associated with the incidence of phlebitis in a pediatric inpatient ward.