A Comparative Study on the Effect of Aloe Vera and Nitroglycerin Ointment on the Incidence and Severity of Phlebitis Caused by the Peripheral Catheter

In addition to modern medical advances, intravenous treatment has become an essential part of patient care. Intravenous treatment like other invasive techniques has its own side effects. Phlebitis and infection are the most serious complications of the intervention. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of aloe vera and nitroglycerin on the incidence and severity of phlebitis induced by peripheral catheter.

This blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted on 150 patients admitted to the internal ward of Kowsar Hospital in Sanandaj in 2019. Patients were randomly divided into three groups including nitroglycerin, aloe vera, and control. The data gathering tool was a phlebitis grading scale. After venipuncture, the ointment was applied to the upper part of the catheter and covered with a sterile coating. Patients were evaluated at intervals of 12 hours to 48 hours after sedation, and the incidence and severity of phlebitis were assessed within 48 hours. For data analysis, Fisher's exact tests, chi-square, Cochran and Maxwell-Stover test, and STATA version 12 software were used.

Three groups showed a significant reduction in the intensity of phlebitis in the first 12 hours (P = 0.000), 24 hours (P = 0.000), 36 hours (P = 0.001) and 48 hours (P = 0.001) after the catheterization. This reduction in phlebitis in the Aloe Vera group was higher than the Nitroglycerin group.

According to the results of this study, it is recommended to use nitroglycerin ointment and aloe vera to reduce phlebitis, although Aloe vera ointment is more effective in reducing phlebitis.