Direct cost of procedures for phlebitis treatment in an Inpatient Unit. / Custo direto dos procedimentos para o tratamento do evento adverso flebite em Unidade de Internação Clínica.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the average direct cost of the procedures performed for phlebitis treatment in patients in an Inpatient Unit and estimate the costs of the procedures performed to treat phlebitis in this unit. METHOD: A quantitative, exploratory-descriptive, single-case study. Initially, records of the procedures performed for phlebitis management were identified. Then, the cost was calculated by multiplying the execution time (timed using a chronometer) spent by nursing technicians by the unit cost of direct labor, added to the cost of materials in 2017. RESULTS: 107 phlebitis referring to 96 patients were reported. To treat the different grades of phlebitis, three procedures were carried out "application of ointment of chamomile flower extract"; "Compress application"; "Peripheral venous access installation". "Peripheral venous access installation with Íntima® catheter" corresponded to the most expensive procedure (US$ 8.90-SD=0.06). Considering the record of the execution of 656 (100%) procedures, the total average direct cost estimate corresponded to US$ 866.18/year. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about the costs of procedures can support decision making that increase allocation efficiency of consumed resources.

Management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis among HIV patients with cryptococcal meningitis in a resource-limited setting: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Amphotericin-induced phlebitis is a common infusion-related reaction in patients managed for cryptococcal meningitis. High-quality nursing care is critical component to successful cryptococcosis treatment. We highlight the magnitude and main approaches in the management of amphotericin-induced phlebitis and the challenges faced in resource-limited settings. METHODS: We prospectively determined the incidence of amphotericin-induced phlebitis during clinical trials in Kampala, Uganda from 2013 to 2018. We relate practical strategies and challenges faced in clinical management of phlebitis. RESULTS: Overall, 696 participants were diagnosed with HIV-related cryptococcal meningitis. Participants received 7-14 doses of intravenous (IV) amphotericin B deoxycholate 0.7-1.0 mg/kg/day for induction therapy through peripheral IV lines at a concentration of 0.1 mg/mL in 5% dextrose. Overall, 18% (125/696) developed amphotericin-induced phlebitis. We used four strategies to minimize/prevent the occurrence of phlebitis. First, after every dose of amphotericin, we gave one liter of intravenous normal saline. Second, we rotated IV catheters every three days. Third, we infused IV amphotericin over 4 h. Finally, early ambulation was encouraged to minimize phlebitis. To alleviate phlebitis symptoms, warm compresses were used. In severe cases, treatment included topical diclofenac gel and oral anti-inflammatory medicines. Antibiotics were used only when definite signs of infection developed. Patient/caregivers' education was vital in implementing these management strategies. Major challenges included implementing these interventions in participants with altered mental status and limited access to topical and oral anti-inflammatory medicines in resource-limited settings. CONCLUSIONS: Amphotericin-induced phlebitis is common with amphotericin, yet phlebitis is a preventable complication even in resource-limited settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The ASTRO-CM trial was registered prospectively. ClincalTrials.gov : NCT01802385 ; Registration date: March 1, 2013; Last verified: February 14, 2018.

Observation for clinical effect of phellodendron wet compress in treating the phlebitis caused by infusion.

Aim of the study was to observe and analyze the clinical effect of phellodendron wet compress in treating the phlebitis caused by infusion. The research objects were 600 cases of phlebitis caused by infusion, all of which were treated in our hospital from June 2013 to June 2016. All patients were entitled to the right to know. They were randomly divided into the research group and the control group. Patients in the control group were treated with magnesium sulfate solution wet compress, while patients in the research group were treated with phellodendron wet compress. The effects in these two groups were observed and compared. Compared with the control group, the research group has better overall treatment efficiency, p<0.05; shorter average onset of action, p<0.05; less time in relieving red swelling and pain, p<0.05. Phellodendron wet compress shows a beneficial effect in treating the phlebitis caused by infusion. It can not only obviously shorten the onset of action, but also level up the overall treatment efficiency that helps patients to recover.

Efectividad del tratamiento tópico de la flebitis secundaria a la cateterización periférica: una revisión sistemática / Efectiveness of topical therapies for phlebitis related to peripheral intravenous canulation: a sistematic review

Introducción: La flebitis es la complicación más frecuente secundaria a la cateterización periférica. Objetivo: Evaluar la evidencia disponible sobre la efectividad de tratamientos tópicos de la flebitis post-perfusión en pacientes portadores de catéter venoso periférico. Método: Se realizó revisión sistemática de ensayos clínicos y revisiones sistemáticas publicados desde 1995 a 2015 en las bases de datos Pubmed, Cinahl, Cochrane plus CUIDEN y la BVS (Biblioteca Virtual en Salud), en inglés y español. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: paciente adulto hospitalizado, portador de vía venosa periférica, con perfusión continua o intermitente, incluyendo todo tipo de terapia de infusión que hubieran desarrollado cualquier grado de flebitis. La valoración de la calidad metodológica de los estudios seleccionados, se realizó por pares de forma independiente utilizando el Clinical Appraisal Skills Programme en su versión española. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 11 estudios: 8 ensayos clínicos y 3 revisiones sistemáticas. Analizaron los efectos de fitoterapéuticos: aloe vera, chamomilla recutita y notoginseny; pomadas heparinoides y geles de heparina; antiinflamatorios como el diclofenaco y vasodilatadores como la nitroglicerina, resultando todos ellos efectivos. Conclusiones: El aloe vera, notoginseny, diclofenaco y heparina gel 1000 UI, mostraron nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación moderado. La heparina gel es el único compuesto con indicación de la Agencia Española del Medicamento para tratar la flebitis post-perfusión, el notoginseny no está comercializado en Occidente y el diclofenaco es un antiinflamatorio utilizado en diversas patologías. Es merecedor de especial atención el tratamiento con aloe vera a la espera de estudios más concluyentes (AU)

Background: Phlebitis is the most common complication induced by peripheral intravenous catheter. Aim: To assess the best available evidence concerning the effectiveness of topical therapies in patients with peripheral venous canulation who developed phlebitis Method: The bibliographic search for clinical trials and sistematic reviews, published between 1995 and 2015, was carried out in the following databases Pubmed, Cinahl, Cochrane plus CUIDEN and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual en Salud), in english and spanish. Inclusion criteria were: adult inpatient with peripheral venous cateterization with continous or intermitent infusion, including all types of infusion therapy who developed any degree of superficial phlebitis. The quality of selected studies was assessed independently by peer reviewers using the Clinical Appraisal Skills Programme in its spanish version. Results: 11 studies were identified, 8 clinical trials and 3 sistematic reviews. The efectiveness of topical phytotherapeutics: aloe vera, chamomilla recutita and notoginseny; heparinoid creams and heparin gels; anti-inflamatory as diclofenac, and vasodilators as nitroglycerin was analized, showing effectivity all of them. Conclusions: Aloe vera, notoginseny, diclofenac and heparine gel suggest a weak level of evidence and moderate grade of recommendation. Heparin gel is the only product provided by the Spanish Medicine Agency to treat post-infusion phlebitis, notoginseny is not marketed in Spain and diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory used for various pathologies. Deserves special attention of topical therapy with aloe vera but further studies are needed (AU)

Black veins: a case of minocycline-induced pigmentation post-sclerotherapy and a review of literature.

Minocycline-induced pigmentation (MIP) is an uncommon but well-described adverse effect of oral minocycline treatment. MIP is clinically and histopathologically distinct from post-sclerotherapy pigmentation. We report a case of a patient presenting with blackened skin overlying veins recently treated with endovenous laser and foam sclerotherapy. The patient was a 44-year-old male with systemic sclerosis who commenced minocycline for the treatment of rosacea 5 months prior. Histological examination of the discolored tissue and underlying vein revealed hemosiderin deposition in the dermis and pigmented macrophages within the sub-endothelial layer of the vein wall with a staining pattern consistent with MIP. Venous tissue has not previously been reported in the literature as a target of minocycline pigmentation. Our patient preferred to control his rosacea by continuing to take minocycline. Follow-up ultrasound examinations revealed the treated vessels to be fully occluded with no evidence of recanalization, residual flow or ongoing thrombophlebitis. Despite a good sclerotherapy outcome, the pigmentation did not subside over 2 years. This case demonstrates that oral minocycline may induce significant and potentially long-term pigmentation in predisposed patients undergoing sclerotherapy.

Factores de crecimiento aportados por el lisado plaquetario en el tratamiento tópico de úlceras posflebíticas / Platelet lysate-derived growth factors for topical treatment of postphlebitis ulcers

Introducción: los factores de crecimiento plaquetario son proteínas bioactivas que se sintetizan y almacenan en las plaquetas.Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de los factores de crecimiento aportados por el lisado plaquetario alogénico en el tratamiento tópico de úlceras posflebíticasMétodos: se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental con control simultáneo en la consulta de medicina regenerativa, Hospital General Docente Comandante Pinares, entre enero de 2008 y diciembre de 2012. Se evaluaron 135 pacientes con el diagnóstico de úlceras posflebíticas con inadecuada respuesta al tratamiento convencional y ausencia de otras enfermedades de base que impidieran una respuesta a la terapia regenerativa. Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos: 90 recibieron tratamiento con la aplicación local del lisado plaquetario obtenido de las plaquetas alogénicas ABO compatibles y 45 mantuvieron el tratamiento convencional (grupo control). El tiempo de respuesta fue la característica distintiva para medir la eficacia entre ambos tratamientos.Resultados: predominó el sexo femenino y edad de más de 50 años. Los síntomas cardinales del síndrome posflebítico, estuvieron presentes en un mayor número de pacientes del grupo tratado con el lisado plaquetario, sin embargo, a los 30 días, se constató una mejoría de los mismos así como una disminución significativa del área promedio de las úlceras. En el grupo tratado con lisado, 86 pacientes remitieron sus síntomas en menos de seis semanas, frente a solo ocho en el mismo tiempo en el grupo convencional.Conclusiones: el uso de factores de crecimiento aportados por el lisado plaquetario alogénico fue efectivo en el tratamiento tópico de úlceras posflebíticas(AU)

Introduction: platelet-derived growth factors are bio-active proteins that are synthesized and stored in the platelets.Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of allogenic platelet lysate-derived growth factors in the topical treatment of postphlebitis ulcers.Methods: a quasi-experimental study with simultaneous control was conducted from January 2008 through December 2012 in the regenerative medicine service of "Comandante Pinares" general teaching hospital located in San Cristobal, Artemisa province, Cuba. One hundred and thirty five patients with diagnosis of postphlebitis ulcers, inadequate response to the conventional treatment and absence of other illnesses that could hinder such response to regenerative therapy were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups: 90 treated with local use of compatible ABO allogenic platelet-derived platelet lysate and 45 kept under the conventional treatment (control group). The reaction time was the distinctive characteristic to measure the effectiveness of both treatments.Results: females and over 50 years-old age predominated. The main symptoms of the posphlebitic syndrome were present in a high number of patients in the group treated with the platelet lysate. Thirty days later, these symptoms significantly improved and the average ulcer area dramatically decreased. There was observed symptoms remission in eighty six patients in less than six weeks in contrast with only eight in the conventional group during this period.Conclusions: the use of allogenic platelet lysate-derived growth factors was effective in the topical treatment of postphlebitis ulcers(AU)

Management, clinical outcomes, and complications of acute cannula-related peripheral vein phlebitis of the upper extremity: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Acute phlebitis due to peripheral vein catheter use is frequently observed in clinical practice, and requires surgical therapy in severe cases. In this retrospective study, we aimed to increase awareness, evaluate current treatment options, and develop recommendations to optimize treatment outcomes. METHODS: A total of 240 hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of upper extremity phlebitis from 2006 to 2011 were evaluated in terms of initial clinical features, parameters, co-morbidities and treatment regimes. Severity of phlebitis was graded according to the Baxter scale by assessing clinical symptoms such as pain, erythema, induration, swelling, or palpable venous cord (grade 0-5). Patients were divided in two subgroups: conservative (n = 132) and operative (n = 108) treatment. RESULTS: Surgical intervention rates and severity were higher for cannula insertion in the cubital fossa region than for cannula insertion in the forearm and hand region (p < 0.05). Baxter scale grades were higher in the surgical treatment group than in the conservative treatment group (4.47 vs. 2.67, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The cubital fossa region is vulnerable to severe phlebitis and is not recommended as the first site of choice for cannulation. Phlebitis of Baxter scale grade 4 or 5 should be considered for early surgical intervention.

[Venous catheter-related infections]. / Infecciones relacionadas con el uso de los catéteres vasculares.

Venous catheter-related infections are a problem of particular importance, due to their frequency, morbidity and mortality, and because they are potentially preventable clinical processes. At present, the majority of hospitalized patients and a considerable number of outpatients are carriers of these devices. There has been a remarkable growth of knowledge of the epidemiology of these infections, the most appropriate methodology for diagnosis, the therapeutic and, in particular, the preventive strategies. Multimodal strategies, including educational programs directed at staff and a bundle of simple measures for implementation, applied to high-risk patients have demonstrated great effectiveness for their prevention. In this review the epidemiology, the diagnosis, and the therapeutic and preventive aspects of these infections are updated.

[Patient with acute renal injury presenting dabigatran overdose: Hemodialysis for surgery]. / Surdosage en dabigatran chez un patient en insuffisance rénale : intérêt et limites de l'hémodialyse.

Dabigatran is a direct thrombin inhibitor indicated for stroke and systemic embolism prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. No reversal agent exists, but hemodialysis has been proposed as dabigatran removal method. We report a case of an 80-year-old man presenting hemorrhage with dabigatran overdose caused by obstructive acute renal failure. Before nephrostomy, several hemodialysis sessions were necessary to remove dabigatran probably because of its large volume of distribution.

Assessing the influence of risk factors on rates and dynamics of peripheral vein phlebitis: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of risk factors on the rates and kinetics of peripheral vein phlebitis (PVP) development and its theoretical influence in absolute PVP reduction after catheter replacement. METHODS: All peripheral short intravenous catheters inserted during one month were included (1201 catheters and 967 patients). PVP risk factors were assessed by a Cox proportional hazard model. Cumulative probability, conditional failure of PVP and theoretical estimation of the benefit from replacement at different intervals were performed. RESULTS: Female gender, catheter insertion at the emergency or medical-surgical wards, forearm site, amoxicillin-clavulamate or aminoglycosides were independent predictors of PVP with hazard ratios (95 confidence interval) of 1.46 (1.09-2.15), 1.94 (1.01-3.73), 2.51 (1.29-4.88), 1.93 (1.20-3.01), 2.15 (1.45-3.20) and 2.10 (1.01-4.63), respectively. Maximum phlebitis incidence was reached sooner in patients with ≥2 risk factors (days 3-4) than in those with <2 (days 4-5). Conditional failure increased from 0.08 phlebitis/one catheter-day for devices with ≤1 risk factors to 0.26 for those with ≥3. The greatest benefit of routine catheter exchange was obtained by replacement every 60h. However, this benefit differed according to the number of risk factors: 24.8% reduction with ≥3, 13.1% with 2, and 9.2% with ≤1. CONCLUSIONS: PVP dynamics is highly influenced by identifiable risk factors which may be used to refine the strategy of catheter management. Routine replacement every 72h seems to be strictly necessary only in high-risk catheters.

[Medicamentous protection of lower limb veins in a subacute period of varicophlebitis of the great saphenous vein].

The study was aimed at determining the dynamics of saphenous veins in patients with varicophlebitis of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in a subacute period (during compression therapy) and at assessing efficacy of 4-month medicamentous protection thereof. We examined a total of 32 patients presenting with the first episode of non-embolic varicophlebitis of the great saphenous vein. The comparison group comprised 16 patients undergoing 4-month compression (degree 2) therapy alone, and the study group patients (n = 16) were subjected to compression therapy combined with a 4-month course of micronized diosmin (1 tablet twice a day). The patients were included into the groups alternately as they attended our medical facility. Duplex scanning before and after the treatment course was used to measure the following parameters: 1) the evening diameter of veins and 2) an increase in the vein's diameter measured overnight as compared to the morning measures - the orthostatic gradient. The obtained results showed that the subacute period of varicophlebitis of the GSV is accompanied and followed by an increase in the diameter of the GSV and SSV and that of their orthostatic gradient, caused by imparted tonicity and viscoelastic properties. Compression therapy alone in the subacute period of varicophlebitis does not provide complete safety of saphenous veins from secondary lesions. Compression therapy combined with a 4-month-long course of taking micronized diosmin increases the efficacy of treatment.

Phlebitis: treatment, care and prevention.

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. Good infection control techniques are also vital in preventing the condition. There are two phlebitis scoring systems, which should be used in routine practice to identify and treat early signs of the Peripheral venous cannulation

[Phlebitis associated to intravenous/infusional therapy]. / La flebite associata alla terapia endovenosa/infusionale.

Phlebitis is a common problem associated to intravenous therapies, it may cause pain, sepsis and increased duration of hospitalization. Several factors can increase the risk of phlebitis. The literature review addresses the mechanisms of chemical phlebitis, the characteristics of drugs likely to cause a phlebitis and the main measures to be adopted for prevention and treatment.

Clinical application of Chamomilla recutita in phlebitis: dose response curve study / Aplicação clínica da Chamomilla recutita em flebites: estudo de curva dose-resposta / Aplicación clínica de la Chamomilla recutita en flebitis: estudio de la curva dosis-respuesta

This experimental and dose-response curve study aimed to carry out the quality control of the Chamomilla recutita sample, as well as to estimate the ideal dose, for anti-inflammatory effect, of the extract of its capitula, in patients with phlebitis due to peripheral intravenous infusion of antineoplastic chemotherapy and to evaluate the toxicity of this extract in human beings. The therapeutic efficacy, concerning the anti-inflammatory potential, of different doses of Chamomilla recutita extract were analyzed and compared in 25 patients. The time of regression of phlebitis was shorter for groups with 2.5 percent concentration (mean=29.2h, standard deviation = 8.98) and 5 percent concentration (mean = 38.8h, standard deviation = 17.47). Local toxicity was almost not observed. This research contributes to the innovation of the nursing clinical practice, since it suggests an alternative for the treatment of phlebitis through the clinical use of phytotherapeutic drugs.

Neste estudo, buscou-se realizar o controle de qualidade da amostra de Chamomilla recutita, bem como estimar a dose ideal, para efeito anti-inflamatório, do infuso dos seus capítulos florais, em pacientes com flebite, decorrente de infusão intravenosa periférica de quimioterapia antineoplásica, e avaliar a toxicidade desse infuso em seres humanos. Trata-se de estudo experimental, do tipo curva dose-resposta, no qual foi analisada e comparada a eficácia terapêutica, quanto ao potencial anti-inflamatório, de diferentes doses do infuso da Chamomilla recutita, em 25 pacientes. O tempo de regressão da flebite foi menor para os grupos com concentração 2,5 por cento (média=29,2h, desvio padrão=8,98) e 5 por cento (média=38,8h, desvio padrão=17,47) e praticamente não se observou toxicidade local. Esta pesquisa contribui para a inovação da prática clínica em enfermagem, uma vez que sugere alternativa para o tratamento de flebites, por meio da utilização clínica de fitoterápicos.

En este estudio, se buscó realizar el control de calidad de la muestra de Chamomilla recutita, así como estimar la dosis ideal, para efecto antiinflamatorio, de la infusión de sus inflorescencias, en pacientes con flebitis proveniente de introducción intravenosa periférica de quimioterapia antineoplásica y evaluar la toxicidad de esta infusión en los seres humanos. Se trata de estudio experimental, del tipo curva dosis-respuesta, en el cual fue analizada y comparada la eficacia terapéutica, en cuanto al potencial antiinflamatorio, de diferentes dosis de la infusión de la Chamomilla recutita en 25 pacientes. El tiempo de regresión de la flebitis fue menor para los grupos con concentración 2,5 por ciento (promedio = 29,2h, desviación estándar = 8,98) y 5 por ciento (promedio = 38,8h, desviación estándar = 17,47) y prácticamente no se observó toxicidad local. Esta investigación contribuye para la innovación de la práctica clínica en enfermería, una vez que sugiere una alternativa para el tratamiento de la flebitis por medio de la utilización clínica de fitoterapéuticos.

Retinal phlebitis associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of retinal phlebitis associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 44-year-old Indian man diagnosed with autoimmune hemolytic anemia presented with a 1-week history of blurred vision in both eyes. Fundus biomicroscopy revealed bilateral peripheral retinal venous sheathing and cellophane maculopathy. RESULTS: Fundus fluorescent angiogram showed bilateral late leakage from the peripheral venous arcades and submacular fluid accumulation. The retinal phlebitis resolved following a blood transfusion and administration of systemic steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Retinopathy associated with autoimmune hemolytic anemia is not well known. This is thought to be the first documentation of retinal phlebitis occurring in this condition.

New classification system-based visual outcome in Eales' disease.

PURPOSE: A retrospective tertiary care center-based study was undertaken to evaluate the visual outcome in Eales' disease, based on a new classification system, for the first time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty-nine consecutive cases of Eales' disease were included. All the eyes were staged according to the new classification: Stage 1: periphlebitis of small (1a) and large (1b) caliber vessels with superficial retinal hemorrhages; Stage 2a: capillary non-perfusion, 2b: neovascularization elsewhere/of the disc; Stage 3a: fibrovascular proliferation, 3b: vitreous hemorrhage; Stage 4a: traction/combined rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and 4b: rubeosis iridis, neovascular glaucoma, complicated cataract and optic atrophy. Visual acuity was graded as: Grade I 20/20 or better; Grade II 20/30 to 20/40; Grade III 20/60 to 20/120 and Grade IV 20/200 or worse. All the cases were managed by medical therapy, photocoagulation and/or vitreoretinal surgery. Visual acuity was converted into decimal scale, denoting 20/20=1 and 20/800=0.01. Paired t-test / Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Vitreous hemorrhage was the commonest presenting feature (49.32%). Cases with Stages 1 to 3 and 4a and 4b achieved final visual acuity ranging from 20/15 to 20/40; 20/80 to 20/400 and 20/200 to 20/400, respectively. Statistically significant improvement in visual acuities was observed in all the stages of the disease except Stages 1a and 4b. CONCLUSION: Significant improvement in visual acuities was observed in the majority of stages of Eales' disease following treatment. This study adds further to the little available evidences of treatment effects in literature and may have effect on patient care and health policy in Eales' disease.

Evaluation of a visual infusion phlebitis scale for determining appropriate discontinuation of peripheral intravenous catheters.

Approximately 150 million peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters are inserted annually in the United States, with a 5% incidence rate of phlebitis as an acceptable benchmark. In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that PIV sites and administration sets be changed at least every 96 hours, yet clinical practice supported that at least 25% of PIV catheters showed no signs of phlebitis at 96 hours' dwell time. This study reports the assessment results of 850 PIV catheters over the indwelling life of the catheter, using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis scale as the measure determining when a PIV should be removed.

[Treatment applied to post-perfusion phlebitis]. / Tratamientos aplicados a las flebitis posperfusión.

During the physio-pathological process which causes phlebitis, a vesicular constriction and an aggregation of platelets occurs. Therefore, the authors believe that the application of a vesicular dilator such as nitroglycerine would alleviate the symptoms of post-perfusion phlebitis and would be an alternate treatment to the commonly utilized heparinized cream, about whose effectiveness in treating this medical problem virtually no documentation exists.

Tratamientos aplicados a las flebitis posperfusión / Treatment applied to post-perfusssion phlebitis

Durante el proceso fisiopatológico que produce la flebitis, tiene lugar una vasoconstricción y una agregación plaquetaria. Por tanto, pensamos que la aplicación de un vasodilatador como ...lan itroglicerina, mejorarra los síntomas,de la flebitis posperfusión y serIa un tratamiento alternativo a la comúnmente utilizada pomada de heparinoides, sobre cuya eficacia en el tratamiento de esta dolencia no existe ~~penas documentación., Analizamos 22 pacientes ingresados en la Unidad de Medicina Interna de un hospital de nuestra ciudad, que padecían flebitis secundaria a infusión endovenosa, a los cuales se les aplicó, de forma aleatoria, uno de los dos tratamientos en estudio: parches trans-, dérmicos de nitroglicerina de 5 mg versus pomada de heparinoides. Fueron 11 pacientes en cada grupo. Concluimos que la flebitisposperfusión es un problema bastante común en pacientes hospitalizados, y sus síntomas pueden ser eficazmente reducidos con el uso de parches de nitroglicerina como tratamiento

During the physio-pathological process which causes phlebitis, a vesicular constriction and an aggregation of platelets occurs. Therefore, the authors believe that the application of a vesicular dilatar such as nitroglycerine would alleviate the symptoms of post-perfusion phlebitis and would be an alternate treatment to the commonly utilized heparinized crea m, about whose effectiveness in treating this medical problem virtually no documentation exists. The authors analyzed 22 patients checked into the Infernal Medicine Unit in a hospital in their city who were suffering from phlebitis as a secondary effect to an endovenous infusion to whom randomly had been applied one of the two treatments used in this study: a trans-dermal patch having 5 mg of nitroglycerine versus a heparinized cream. There were eleven patients in each study group. The authors conclude that post-perfusion phlebitis is a quite common problem in hospitalized patients and their symptoms can be effectively reduced by the use of nitroglycerine patches as treatment

[Pylephlebitis with air in the portal vein system. An unusual focus in a patient with sepsis]. / Pylephlebitis mit Luft im Pfortadersystem. Ungewöhnlicher Fokus bei einem Patienten mit Sepsis.

HISTORY AND CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 30-year-old male was transferred to the intensive care unit with worsening sepsis of unknown origin and a known history of Crohn's disease. The patient presented with a five-day history of nausea, fever, and serous diarrhea. Clinical examination of the abdomen was unremarkable except for mild epigastric pain on palpation. INVESTIGATIONS: Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen revealed gas within the intrahepatic branches of the portal venous system, thickening of the wall of the neoterminal ileum, and mild ascites. In addition, ultrasonography showed acute thrombosis of the portal vein and the superior mesenteric vein. No wall perfusion was seen in either the neoterminal ileum or the ascending colon on color Doppler sonography. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: Based on the combination of portal vein thrombosis along with venous gas in the portal venous system and absence of intestinal perfusion, the diagnosis of pylephlebitis with septic shock was suspected and a laparotomy was performed. Intraoperative exploration revealed phlegmonous terminal ileitis, a significant amount of cloudy fluid, and thrombosis of the mesenteric vein. A right-sided hemicolectomy with ileotransversostomy was performed. Histologic examination confirmed Crohn's disease that was associated with vasculitis and, in particular, with thrombophlebitis and subsequent transmural bowel necrosis. Antibiotic and anticoagulation therapy was resumed without further complications. CONCLUSION: In the differential diagnosis of sepsis, especially in combination with abdominal pain or gas in the portal venous system, pylephlebitis should be taken into account. Because of the high mortality, immediate further diagnostic testing and appropriate therapy of this rare diagnosis are necessary.