Clinical factors associated with the development of phlebitis after insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter.

A descriptive comparison study was conducted to determine if there were any coagulation, immune, nutritional, or insertion-related differences between 64 adult hospitalized clients who experienced phlebitis after insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) compared with a matched group of 64 adult hospitalized clients who did not develop phlebitis. Factors that significantly decreased the development of phlebitis in this study included smaller catheter gauge, placement in the basilic vein, tip location in the superior vena cava, no manipulation or movement at the exit site, and higher platelet levels.