Comparison of Different Concentration of Heparin in Prevention of Infusion-Associated Phlebitis

Heparin in Prevention of Infusion-Associated Phlebitis

Abstract

Background: Superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) is a common inflammatory thrombotic disorder in which a thrombus develops in a vein located near the surface of the skin. The present study was conducted to compare different concentration of heparin in prevention of infusion-associated phlebitis.Subjects and Methods:This study was conducted on 68 patients of both genders. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I patients received 68 drops of topical solution of heparin and group II patients received 1g of topical gel over the cannulated vein every 8 hourly. In all patients visual infusion phlebitis scale was recorded.Results:Out of 68 patients, group I received topical solution of heparin (1000 IU/ml) and group II patients received 1g of topical gel (200 IU/g). The number of patients who developed thrombophlebitis in group I was 16 and in group II was 24. Grade I thrombophlebitis was seen 6 in group I and 15 in group II, grade II was seen 10 in group I and 9 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean time to develop thrombophlebitis in grade I in group I was 59.1 hours and in group II was 58.2 hours, in grade II was 62.4 hours and 61.6 hours in both groups respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).Conclusion: Authors found that topical solution of heparin was more effective in the prevention of infusion-associated phlebitis than heparin gel.