Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis (cont.)
What are the complications of phlebitis?
Complications of phlebitis may include local infection and abscess formation, clot
formation, and progression to a deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
When pronounced deep venous thrombophlebitis has seriously damaged the leg
veins, this can lead to post-phlebitic syndrome. Post-phlebitic syndrome is
characterized by chronic swelling of the involved leg and can be associated with
leg pain, discoloration, and ulcers.
Can phlebitis be prevented?
Simple measures can be taken to prevent phlebitis, although, sometimes it
cannot be avoided.
Preventive measures of phlebitis include:
- early mobilization after surgery,
- leg exercises during a
long car travel or airplane ride,
- good nursing hygiene and prompt removal of intravenous catheters, and
- smoking cessation.
Compression stockings may be beneficial in people
with recurrent
phlebitis.
In most hospitalized patients who have limited mobility or had recent
orthopedic surgery, a low dose of blood thinners [heparin or enoxaparin (Lovenox)] may be injected routinely in order to prevent blood clot formation by
keeping the blood relatively thin. This preventive dose is generally lower than
the doses used for treating existing blood clots.
Phlebitis At A Glance
- Phlebitis refers to inflammation of a vein and it can
be caused by any insult to the blood vessel wall, impaired venous flow, or coagulation
abnormality.
- Pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness are some common symptoms of
phlebitis.
- Thrombophlebitis refers to the formation of a blood clot associated with
phlebitis.
- Thrombophlebitis can be superficial (skin level) or deep (in deeper veins).
- Superficial phlebitis generally carries a favorable prognosis and can be
treated with inexpensive home remedies.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can have serious complications and requires
immediate treatment with blood thinners.
- Simple measures can be taken to prevent phlebitis.
Last Editorial Review: 5/1/2009
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