A descriptive study of peripheral intravenous catheters in patients admitted to a pediatric unit in one Australian hospital.

Over a 5-month period, 496 peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVs) inserted into neonates, infants, and children were prospectively studied. Data were collected on demographic patient characteristics, PIV indications for use, dwell time, and reasons for removal, together with nursing actions. The results showed that most PIVs were removed within 72 hours. In 6.6% of cases, some degree of phlebitis was present at PIV removal. The risk of phlebitis increased when the PIV remained in place longer, the child was younger, or medication was administered. The greatest risk was age, with neonates being 5(1/2) times more likely to have some degree of phlebitis than non-neonates.