Effect of dexamethasone ointment on preventing phlebitis induced by vinorelbine

Objective We observed the effect of dexamethasone ointment on preventing phlebitis induced by vinorelbine. Methods Patients with malignant tumor who received chemotherapy of vinorelbine through peripheral superficial vein injection were divided into the observation group (70 cases) and the control group (72 cases) according to the date of hospitalization. All patients received vinorelbine four times averagely. Patients in the observation group was given dexamethasone ointment along punctured superficial vein. Patients in the control group received routine nursing measure. The incidence rate, time and degree of phlebitis was compared between these groups. Results The incidence rate and degree of phlebitis was lower than those of the control group (P< 0.01, P< 0.05). The incidence time of phlebitis in the observation group was also later than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Local application of dexamethasone ointment could effectively reduce the incidence of superficial phlebitis caused by vinorelbine chemotherapy. Key words: Dexamethasone ointment;  Prevent;  Vinorelbine;  Phlebitis