Effectiveness of an intravenous protection device in pediatric patients on catheter dwell time and phlebitis score.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to examine the efficacy of the I.V. House® UltraDressing® for protecting peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) in pediatric patients.

METHODS: This randomized controlled trial comprised 60 pediatric patients (aged 2-24 months): 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. The PIVC dwell time, and phlebitis scores were also reported for both groups. The degree of phlebitis was determined using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale (VIPS) and was recorded every 8 hours from the start of antibiotic therapy until catheter removal.

RESULTS: The mean catheter dwell time in the experimental group (2.10±1.55 days) was significantly longer than that of the control group (1.27±0.45 days) (p<0.010). However, there were no significant differences between the scores and signs of phlebitis in both groups (p>0.050).

CONCLUSION: The I.V. House® UltraDressing® is a useful device that can be used to increase catheter dwell time and protect and stabilize PIVCs in pediatric patients.