Clinical Use and Complications of Peripheral Venous Cannulae among Adult Patients in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital, Benin City: A Pilot Study

Background: Peripheral venous catheterization is a common medical procedure among hospitalized patients. Its use is fraught with potential complications including thrombophlebitis and blood stream infections. This necessitates provision of appropriate local protocols, meticulous use and regular surveillance, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. This study therefore evaluates the pattern of use, care practices and complications associated with peripheral venous cannulae (PVC) in a Nigerian teaching hospital.

Methods: Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, relevant bio-, clinical and laboratory data were collected through an interview process and case file reviews. A total of 143 consenting adult patients on admission in the different medical and surgical wards were interviewed consecutively over a period of two months.

Results: A total of 79 (55.2%) subjects had in-situ PVC during admissions. Commonest indications for PVC insertions were administration of intravenous fluid therapy (74.7%), followed closely by intravenous antibiotics (68.4%). Catheter-related complications were observed in 53.2% of PVC insertions, with phlebitis being the commonest (46.8%), followed by infiltration (17.7%). Length of catheter indwell times was significantly associated with phlebitis (p = 0.017).

Conclusion: Authors recommend provision of local guidelines and protocols for PVC insertion and maintenance with emphasis on asepsis. There should be adequate information and proper documentation regarding PVC use, coupled with consistent surveillance and vigilance to detect complications promptly. Although, further studies are needed in this regard, routine maintenance PVC removal or replacement every 72 to 96 hours may be a better option in our locality.