Ronen O, et al. - This study was designed to assess the impact of needleless intravenous access devices on the rate of phlebitis in peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). As per findings, a significant reduction of catheter-related phlebitis (CRP) in peripheral veins was evident with the use of needleless connectors in a surgery department setting. The decreased morbidity was associated with a lower number of catheter replacements and duration of hospitalization.

Methods

• In this study, patients were prospectively recruited in 2 phases.
• Treatment of the first group included a regular cap, and the second group included needleless connector.
• Researchers recorded the incidence of catheter-related phlebitis (CRP) as the primary end point.

Results

• In 340 patients, a total of 620 PVCs using regular caps were inserted; documentation of CRP rates was performed.
• In the second phase of the study, 135 patients had 169 PVCs inserted using needleless connectors.
• The CRP rate was 60% in the group treated with the regular cap compared with 7% in the group treated with the needleless cap (P < .001).
• Consequently, there was a decrease in the number of catheter replacements from 1.9 on average to 1.3 (P < .001).
• In both phases, patients who developed phlebitis indicated a statistically markedly longer mean hospitalization period (P < .001), as were patients in the regular cap group (P < .01).