Hi Everyone,

It has been the recommendation in the past and up to now to apply warm compress on the reddish area for PICC with phlebitis for 24-48 hrs.

My question how do you apply the warm compress?

What we do in our unit, we pour warm water into a clean glove. We will test the temperature of the water in the glove on the sensitive skin part of the arm.We then make a knot at the end of the glove then wrap the glove with clean thin wipe before applying on the reddish part of the PICC. We change the water and glove with every care. We will assess with every care and we will make our final assessment after 24 hours whether the phlebitis subsided or disappeared or worsened. If it becomes worst, then we have to removed.

I am looking for the latest evidence how should the warm compress be applied for PICC with phlebitis.

Please if anyone who has the latest information regarding this, email me.

Thanks.

Herbs Ibrahim

HIbrahim@kfshrc.edu.sa

Dear Ibrahim,

Thanks for posting this interesting question that may be beneficial for discussion in this forum. Superficial Thrombophlebitis is a known complication of venous access, which could be traumatic and or infectious.The main treatment of this condition is to remove the cause that predisposed its appearance, particularly removing the PICC or any hardware placed in the vein (angiocath), and treat with antibioticsif evidence of active infection (low thershold for antistaph coverage). A potential complication of superficial phlebitis is extension of the thrombosis to the deep venous system, with possible complicated with PE.I am not quite sure if application of warm compress will significantly help with the local swelling, and my concwern is that given the increased in heat production locally with the vein inflamation, warm compress may potentially burn the skin locally.

I hope this help

Bst wishes

Hi

there is now in the market gel bags for hot and cold compreses that are pre heated in a microwave or hot water bath to the temprature you need I even use it to reworm the baby as it comes in different sizes. inforcing infection control proceedures and applying IV lines under complete aseptic conditons might prevent the problem alltogether