Assessment of phlebitis, infiltration and extravasation events in neonates submitted to intravenous therapy

This study aimed to describe phlebitis, infiltration and extravasation events in newborn infants hospitalized at the neonatal intensive care unit of a public maternity in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A quantitative and descriptive study was carried out, involving 36 newborns under intravenous therapy and indicated for the removal of the peripheral intravenous device. Fifty puncture sites were assessed immediately after the peripheral catheter removal, resulting in an average 1.40 punctures per infant. Complications were responsible for 48% of catheter removals before discharge from treatment, predominantly infiltration (79.2%), followed by phlebitis (16.7%) and extravasation (4.2%). To avoid aggravations and enhance the security of newborns submitted to intravenous therapy, the nursing team should periodically assess the peripheral venous access and gain knowledge on interventions needed when signs of complications are detected.