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document
Peripheral intravenous line survival and phlebitis prevention in patients receiving intravenous antibiotics : heparin/hydrocortisone versus in-line filters . OBJECTIVE To compare the use of in-line filtration with the addition of heparin/hydrocortisone ( hep/hc ) to the infusate for both phlebitis prevention and intravenous ( i.v . ) line survival in peripheral i.v . catheters . This study was specific for a patient group receiving prolonged courses of i.v . antibiotics . Analysis of the two endpoints for conventional short i.v . catheters ( short lines ) versus long ( 30 cm ) i.v . catheters ( long lines ) was also performed . METHODS Patients with cystic fibrosis receiving intermittent i.v . antibiotics were randomly allocated to receive their drugs either through an in-line filter using a drug-free infusate or with no filter and an infusate containing heparin 500 units and hydrocortisone 10 mg/L . Infusion sites were assessed daily . RESULTS Both the hep/hc and filter groups were similar in terms of phlebitis incidence and i.v . line survival when analyzed separately for both short and long lines . Long lines displayed markedly prolonged survival times and reduced phlebitis compared with short lines . CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of i.v . filters in excluding the large particle load introduced by i.v . antibiotics and hence in reducing the subsequent phlebitis makes them a useful alternative to the use of hep/hc . The use of filters in this patient group may offer advantages in terms of ease of use and a possible decrease in hep/hc-related problems . Long lines offer practical advantages over short lines for patients requiring longer term i.v . access .
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Intervention_Pharmacological
antibiotics
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Intervention_Pharmacological
heparin/hydrocortisone
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Intervention_Pharmacological
i.v
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Intervention_Pharmacological
catheters
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Intervention_Pharmacological
antibiotics
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Intervention_Pharmacological
heparin
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Intervention_Pharmacological
hydrocortisone
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Outcome_Physical
intravenous line survival
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Outcome_Physical
phlebitis
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Outcome_Physical
phlebitis incidence
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Outcome_Mortality
line survival
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Outcome_Mortality
survival times
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Outcome_Physical
phlebitis
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Outcome_Physical
hep/hc-related problems
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Participant_Condition
patients receiving intravenous antibiotics :
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Participant_Sample-size
patient group