Objective: Assessment of peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis among pediatric patients at Vietnam National Children’s Hospital in 2026.
Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted among 300 pediatric patients admitted to the Department of General Pediatrics of the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital between January and May 2026. A standardized data collection form developed by the investigators was used to collect study data, and phlebitis was assessed using the VIP score according to the recommendations of the Infusion Nurses Society of America and the Association of Vietnam Nurses.
Results: Of the 300 pediatric patients included in the study, the majority were younger than 2 years of age (60%), and males accounted for a higher proportion than females (57.7% vs. 42.3%). The overall incidence of phlebitis was 11.7%, with grade 1 and grade 2 phlebitis occurring in 9.4% and 2.3% of patients, respectively, with no cases progressing to grade 3, grade 4, or grade 5. The mean time to the onset of phlebitis was 47.63 ± 13.81 hours.
Conclusion: Peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis was observed at a moderate level. All identified cases were mild (grade 1 or grade 2). Phlebitis typically developed within the first 72 hours after PIVC insertion, highlighting the importance of daily catheter assessment. Routine nursing evaluation facilitates the early recognition of phlebitis, while timely clinical decision-making, including catheter removal when indicated, plays a pivotal role in preventing progression to more severe stages of phlebitis.