Therpeutic Effects of Algoplaque External Application in Preventing Chemotherapeutic Phlebitis Induced by Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter

Objective To investigate the effect of Algoplaque external application in preventing chemotherapeutic phlebitis induced by peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC).Methods From January 2010 to December 2010,100 cancer patients undergoing PICC chemotherapy in the hospital were randomly divided into experimental group and control group,with 50 patients in each group.After the successful insertion catheters,the patients of the experimental group were fixed with Algoplaque(10 cm×10 cm) at the vein puncture site and the dressings were changed once a week.The patients of the control group were fixed with 3M film(10cm×10cm) and the dressings were changed for two times a week.Then these patients were observed for 3 to 6 months and the incidence and severity of chemotherapeutic phlebitis were compared between the two groups.Results The incidence rates of phlebitis in the experimental group and the control group were 12%(6/50) and 42%(21/50) respectively.There was significant differences on the incidence rates between these two groups(χ2=11.34,P0.01).No phlebitis(grade≥3) occurred in the experimental group and phlebitis(grade 3-4) occurred mainly in the control group.Conclusion Algoplaque can effectively prevent chemotherapeutic phlebitis induced by PICC.