These IV cannulas are a potential route for microorganisms to enter the blood stream resulting in a variety of local or systemic infections. As compared to central venous catheters, the incidence of local or blood stream infections (BSI) associated with peripheral IV cannulas are usually low.
Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is defined as the presence of bacteremia originating from an intravenous catheter. It is one of the most frequent, lethal, and costly complications of central venous catheterization and also the most common cause of nosocomial bacteremia.
Skin organisms (i.e., Staphylococcus epidermidis/coagulase-negative staphylococci, and to a lesser extent, Staphylococcus aureus) are the usual pathogens in i.v.-line infection. Treatment of i.v.-line infection involves removal of the i.v. line/device.
Symptoms of an IV line infection
pain where your IV line is. redness or swelling near the IV line. crusting or scabbing appears on skin near your IV line. oozing fluid, blood or pus from where the IV line goes through your skin.
Despite its benefits and frequent use, intravenous cannulation has complications that can seriously threaten patient safety such as clotting, occlusion, leakage, infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and infection [4].
The most common microorganisms associated with infections associated with IV cannulae are those that occur naturally on the skin (skin commensals), particularly staphylococci, which originate from the skin of both healthcare professionals and patients.
Peripheral venous catheter-associated phlebitis is caused by inflammation to the vein at a cannula access site. It can have a mechanical, chemical or infectious cause. Good practice when inserting a cannula, including appropriate choice of device and site, can help to prevent phlebitis.
Practice Essentials. Hospital-acquired infections are caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens; the most common types are bloodstream infection (BSI), pneumonia (eg, ventilator-associated pneumonia [VAP]), urinary tract infection (UTI), and surgical site infection (SSI).
Use either a transparent dressing or sterile gauze to cover the cannula site. Replace cannula site dressings when they become damp, loosened, or soiled, or when the device is removed or replaced. Change dressings more frequently in diaphoretic patients.
Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection in the body, such as a chest infection which causes pneumonia, a urine infection, an infected cut or bite, an infection in a cannula, or a wound following surgery.
Many of the catheters need to be replaced due to phlebitis, infiltration, pain, or swelling at the IV site, but the rate of bloodstream infections associated with peripheral IVs is just 0.5 per 1000 catheter days.
The femoral route is associated with a higher risk for infection and thrombosis (as compared with the subclavian route).
Superficial thrombophlebitis is an inflammation of a vein just below the surface of the skin, which results from a blood clot. This condition may occur after recently using an IV line, or after trauma to the vein. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the vein and hardening and feeling cord-like.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if: You have signs of infection, such as: Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness. Red streaks leading from the area.
infection – this can happen when the cannula is left in too long, or when the cannula is handled without washing the hands first (this happens occasionally) catheter embolism – this happens if a part of the cannula gets broken off by the needle and travels through the bloodstream (this is rare).
Median antecubital, cephalic and basilic veins
These should be avoided unless absolutely necessary in any infant likely to need long term IV therapy. The median nerve and brachial artery are both in the same anatomical vicinity and therefore vulnerable to damage.
Cannula insertion is painful and causes distress to patients. The risks associated with it include infection, phlebitis and infiltration. Current guidelines in England are to routinely re-site peripheral cannulas every 72-96 hours.
"Big Three" Infectious Diseases: Tuberculosis, Malaria and HIV/AIDS.
Anyone getting medical care is at some risk for an HAI; however, some people are at higher risk than others, including the following: Very young people – premature babies and very sick children. Very old people – the frail and the elderly. People with certain medical conditions – such as diabetes.
Phlebitis (vein irritation, more common in older service users) - due to the presence of the catheter, irritation from fluids injected or infection. Haemorrhage/haematoma formation at puncture site - increased risk in service users on anticoagulant medication.
Complications include infection, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, emboli, pain, haematoma or haemorrhage, extravasation, arterial cannulation and needlestick injuries.
Problems can include pain and discomfort, leakage from the cannula onto your skin or below the skin, blockages, or germs getting into your bloodstream causing infection. Keep your hands clean by washing with soap or using sanitiser.
Causes of cellulitis
Many conditions, events or procedures can cause this, including cracked skin due to dryness, eczema or tinea pedis, cuts or penetrating wounds, burns, insect bites or stings, surgery and IV cannulation.