Peripheral Venous Catheter-Related Infection and its Affecting Factors in Patients with Breast Cancer under Chemotherapy

Introduction: Peripheral venous catheter placement is a crucial procedure in a number of patients with cancer. Given the high risk of infection during chemotherapy, it is essential to identify the factors affecting it to take preventive measures. This study aimed yo examine peripheral venous catheter-related infection and factors affecting it in patients with breast cancer under chemotherapy. Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was conductedon 84 patients who entered the study using accessible sampling in Imam Reza Hospital in Tabriz, Iran during 2018-2019. Peripheral venous catheter was inserted in Operating room under sterile conditions. The patients demographic data and infection symptoms were recorded in their checklist and laboratory tests were conducted to confirm infection in case of presence of symptoms. The data were analyzed in SPSS 20 using t-test, the Cox regression and cumulative incidence (P 0.05). Results: The incidence of peripheral venous catheter-related infection was 11.04% and fever and chills, inflammation and pain were the most common clinical symptoms. There was a significant difference between groups with /without infection in terms of age (P=0.001), number of chemotherapy sessions (P=0.003) and radiation therapy (P=0.002). Conclusion: The 11% incidence of peripheral venous catheter-related infection in this study was lower than other studies. When primary symptoms (fever and chills, pain and inflammation) are identified in susceptible patients (older patients and those undergoing long courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy), it could be diagnosed in time.