The natural history of Teflon catheter-associated phlebitis in children
D. B. Nelson and J. S. Garland
During a prospective evaluation of intravenous therapy with peripheral
Teflon catheters in children, we found 30 episodes of phlebitis (10.4%).
This rate is less than that reported in adults. Catheter colonization was
not related to phlebitic episodes, and catheter-related infections did not
occur. No patient's hospital course was prolonged because of phlebitis.
Thirty percent of the episodes developed after the catheter was removed,
and premonitory symptoms were not helpful in predicting the onset of
phlebitis. Factors associated with an increased phlebitic risk were
parenteral nutrition, administration of nafcillin sodium or
aminoglycosides, and patient age. Parenteral nutrition prolonged the course
of phlebitis. No factors hastened the onset of phlebitis. The duration of
cannulation was not significantly related to phlebitis, suggesting that in
some children the catheters can remain in place longer than 72 hours.
