Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Glycerine Magnesium Sulphate paste vs Heparinoid (Thrombophob) Ointment on Phlebitis among patients on peripheral intravenous therapy.

Background: Pain being the fifth vital sign should not be underestimated. Phlebitis causes pain, and discomfort to patients seeking medical help. Various treatment modalities are available for treating phlebitis.

Design: Quantitative approach, an experimental study with pre-test and post-test design

Methodology: The study was conducted in the general surgical and orthopaedic wards among 110 patients. Block randomization method was used. The subjects were randomly allocated to control and experimental group using Sequentially Numbered, Opaque Sealed envelopes (SNOSE) method. Subjects were observed for 48 hours with an interval of 24 hours. Visual infusion phlebitis scale and numeric pain intensity scale were used to collect data.

Results: Result showed that Glycerine Magnesium Sulphate paste was more effective than Heparinoid (Thrombophob) Ointment application based on the observation at 24 hours (p< 0.0001). The Mean reduction rates in phlebitis at the baseline reading, at 24 hours and at 48 hours is 2.95, 2.67 and 1.78 in the control group and 3.07, 1.51 and 0.55 in the experimental group. Both interventions were found to be effective at 48 hours of the observation.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated evidence on the more effective intervention (Glycerine Magnesium Sulphate paste) for the management of phlebitis.

Trial Registration: The study was registered in Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2018/05/013888).

Keywords: Pain, Peripheral Intravenous therapy, Phlebitis.

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Shaly Selva Grace. E

Professor and Head of Upper GI Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery-Unit -III, Christian Medical College, Vellore