Comparison of efficacy of Normal Saline with Heparinised Saline flushing on patency of peripheral intravenous catheters – A Randomized double blind clinical trial

Background and objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of normal saline with heparinized saline flushing on patency of peripheral intravenous catheters among hospitalized children. Material and Methods: The research design used in this study was randomized double blind clinical trial. Population of the study comprised of all the children in the age group 2 months to 1 year who were admitted and received intravenous medications in the Paediatric medical ward of JIPMER. 100 samples were selected and assigned to normal saline group (50 samples) and heparinized saline group (50 samples) by simple randomization technique using computer generated random numbers sealed in opaque envelops. Data Collection was done overa period of two months. After obtaining the formal permission from the institution and written informed parental consent, children were allocated to two groups by using simple randomization technique to receive either normal saline or heparinized saline flushing. The respective flush solutions were administered to the patients through the IV catheter after giving intravenous medications. The main outcome of the study was total duration of patency of the IV catheter and phlebitis grades. Results: There was no significant difference between the normal saline and heparinized saline groups in terms of total duration of patency and phlebitis grades of peripheral intravenous catheters. The duration of patency of peripheral intravenous catheters is influenced by the age of the children and frequency of medication administration in the normal saline group. Conclusion: As no difference in patency could be established, use of normal saline as a flush solution is preferable to heparinized saline in peripheral IV catheters in children.