[Effects of skin disinfection by alcohol and chlorhexidine on catheter-related phlebitis: a clinical trial study]

ABSTRACT

Intravenous catheterization is one of the most common invasive procedures at hospitals. This practice is not devoid of complications. Phlebitis is a common complication. This clinical trial was conducted to compare between the efficacy of ethanol 70% and chlorhexidine 0.5% in ethanol 70% as disinfection solutions of the skin on the rate of catheter-related phlebitis. 80 hospitalized patients at emergency ward, CCU and post CCU were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of two equal groups, i.e., for each group, a solution was used. All catheters were inserted and secured by the researcher in the same way. Insertion sites were observed every 12 hours for evidence of phlebitis according to Infusion Nursing Society Phlebitis Scale. Catheters were removed aseptically in the event of phlebitis or after 72 hours. The Study groups were matched in terms of age, sex, level of education, underlying disease and insertion site. Phlebitis occurred in 6 patients [15%] of the chlorhexidine group, and 15 patients [37.5%] of the ethanol group [P=0.022]. It can be concluded that disinfection by chlorhexidine may reduce the incidence of catheter-related phlebitis and can be routinely used in clinical practice