Incidence of phlebitis and related factors in peripheral venous access in adults.

Aim: The study aimed to characterize phlebitis in adults in a clinical hospitalization sector, in terms of incidence, related factors and grade. Method: This is a cohort carried out in a clinical hospitalization department of a philanthropic hospital in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The study included adults over 18 years old, hospitalized and using peripheral venous access; the invitation was made to each patient on their first day of hospitalization and those who accepted signed the informed consent form (ICF), were included, and evaluated daily for the occurrence of phlebitis, as well as its characteristics. A total of 49 people participated in the research, with a mean age of 61.29 years (sd: 20.692), mostly women (69.39%), white (65.30%). Results: The incidence of phlebitis was 28.56%; age over 60 years (p=0.004) and use of anticoagulants (p=0.025) increased the risk of developing phlebitis. The use of intravenous anti-inflammatory drugs (p=0.008) was related to reduce the amount of phlebitis. Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of phlebitis was related to age and use of anticoagulants; intravenous anti-inflammatory medications appear to be a protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]