The Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Solution on Prevention of Phlebitis Related to Peripheral Venous Catheter in Patients Hospitalized in Cardiac Care Units of a Military Hospital

Peripheral intravenous catheterization is the most common invasive therapy for hospitalized patients to administer fluids, drugs, and blood products. Phlebitis is one of the serious complications that could influence the patient›s health status.
This study aimed at investigating the effect of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution on prevention of phlebitis related to peripheral venous catheter in patients hospitalized in cardiac care units.
Material and This double-blind randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 40 patients admitted to cardiac care units of Beasat Military Hospital, Tehran, Iran during years 2016 and 2017. Patients were recruited by the convenience sampling method and randomly allocated to 2 intervention and control groups. The Jackson Phlebitis Scale (Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale) was used to assess phlebitis. The 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution was used daily around the peripheral venous catheter in the intervention group for 3 days. Degree of phlebitis was recorded at the same time and IV dressing was changed. In the control group, degree of phlebitis was recorded and IV dressing was changed in 3 days.
The Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tes showed no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding intensity (degree) and incidence of phlebitis at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the intervention (P >0.05). Friedman test showed that average of phlebitis in both groups increased during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd day (P >0.05).
Discussion and It seems that the IV dress changing is effective and daily use of the 2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution is not recommended. Future studies with a large sample size is recommended.