The Natural History of Intravenous Catheter-Associated Phlebitis

Abstract

Comment: An extremely interesting and useful paper. We all wonder how likely our intravenous puntures are to produce phlebitis and if it occurs, how long does it last? This study looks at this question and produces some interesting data and suggestions. We should not forget that phlebitis can develop a good 12 to 24 hr after catheter removal. Perhaps the next step is to do this study on patients coming through the operating room suite. It would be particularly interesting to see the infection rate of intravenous catheter placement by anesthesiologists as compared with the intravenous team. I suspect it would provide us with a rude awakening.