Clinically-indicated replacement versus routine replacement of peripheral venous catheters

Abstract

Most hospital patients receive fluids or medications via an intravenous catheter at some time during their hospital stay. An intravenous catheter is a short, hollow tube placed in the vein to allow administration ofmedications, fluids or nutrients directly into the bloodstream (also called a drip). These catheters are routinely replaced every three to four days, to try to prevent infection of the vein or of the blood. However, the evidence to support this practice is weak. Moreover, the procedure may cause considerable discomfort to patients and is quite costly. This review included all of the randomised controlled trials, which have compared routine catheter changes with changing the catheter only if there were signs of inflammation or infection. We found no evidence of benefit from these trials to support current practice of changing catheters every three to four days.