A comparison of the morbidity associated with occlusive and non-occlusive dressings applied to peripheral intravenous devices.

ABSTRACT

In a non-randomized controlled study of the effects of an occlusive polymer dressing on the morbidity associated with intravenous (iv) cannulation, it was found that the polymer dressing adversely affected the rate of cannula tip colonization, but that this could not be generally related to an increased risk of thrombophlebitis. A strong association was found between Staphylococcus aureus colonization and thrombophlebitis. It is proposed that the materials, method of manufacture and the use to which the cannula is put are more important in the genesis of the minor complications of iv cannulation than the type of dressing.