Infusion thrombophlebitis in a surgical department.

In hospitals where 5% glucose is the solution most often infused, the incidence of thrombophlebitis has been found to be 27-43%. In an attempt to reduce this incidence, the following principles for the administration of intravenous solutions were established in a surgical department: (1) No cannula to be placed in the same vein for continuous infusion for a period of more than 24 hours, (2) All sugar solutions to be neutralized with a phosphate buffer. (3) The thinnest possible cannulas are to be used. (4) Vein irritant solutions to be given as quickly as permissible. (5) Veins with the largest diameter to be used first. These principles were adhered to for a period of 4 months. The daily infusion period was 11-14 hours. Of 196 patients who received infusions for a total of 529 days, infusion thrombophlebitis developed in 6.1% (3-10%). 113 of these patients received (among other solutions) 1000-2000 ml 10% invertose per day. This solution was given for an average of 4 days. 9.7% (5-17%) of the patients in this group developed infusion thrombophlebitis. No patient had more than one episode of infusion thrombophlebitis.