Effects of Light-proof Infusion Sets Using Precision Filter in Preventing Phlebitis Caused by Fluorouracil Chemotherapy
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Effects of Light-proof Infusion Sets with Precision Filters in Preventing Phlebitis Caused by 5-Fluorouracil Chemotherapy XIA Yuan-yang Department of Oncology, No.421 Hospital of PLA, Guangzhou 510318, China Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effect of light-proof infusion sets with precision filters in preventing phlebitis caused by 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Methods From January to December in 2009, 188 tumor patients received 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy using light-proof infusion sets with precision filters. Results 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy using light-proof infusion sets with 3.0μm precision filters, of which 17 patients(9.04%)were observed with phlebitis(Level-1:Level-2:Level-3=10:5:2). Compared with the phlebitis incidence(48.92%)in patients with normal infusion sets for 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy in 2008, the differences had statistical significance(χ2=66.06,P<0.01). Conclusion Optimizing application of light-proof infusion sets with precision filters has significant effect in preventing phlebitis by preventing insoluble particles into the body, reducing the stimulation of particles on the vessel wall and reducing the damage of particles on the vascular wall. Keys words: Precision filter; Fluorouracil; Chemotherapy; Phlebitis 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most widely used antitumor drugs at present. It shows good effects on the gastrointestinal tumor and other solid tumors, holding an important position in the oncological therapy. However, after long term clinical practices, It is found that fluorouracil chemotherapy can lead to varying degrees of phlebitis. The State Clinical Guidelines clearly indicates that long-term use of 5-FU by arterial cannula can cause the arterial embolism , thrombosis, local infection, abscess formation or thrombophlebitis. Drug spillover can cause the local pain, necrosis, phlegmon and other adverse reactions at the intravenous injection site or infusion site[1]. During January to December 2009, a total of 188 patients received 5-FU chemotherapy using Light-proof infusion sets with precision filters and achieved good results. Objects & Methods 1.1 Objects During January ~ December in 2009, a total of 188 patients received 5-FU chemotherapy in department of oncology. Among which there were 128 males, 60 females, aged between 18~78 years old with the average of (59.3±5.3) years old. The primary diseases of 188

patients included cancers of colon, rectum, stomach, breast, ovarian, chorionic epithelial and etc. 1.2 Methods Most cancer patients needed to accept multiple courses of chemotherapy, taking 3 weeks as one cycle. 5-FU was taken in the first two days of every chemotherapy period. All the patients were treated with 5-FU at a dosage of 3.0g/m2. The 5-FU liquids of required dosages were dissolved in 4000ml 5% glucose injection. Then the patients were taken intravenous infusion slowly using Light-proof infusion sets with 3μm filters for 48 hours. (manufactured by Wuhan W.E.O. Science &...

greatly increased when patients receive the 5-FU chemotherapy[5]. The diameter of capillary vessel is always 3~5μm sothat the insoluble particles can easily deposit in the vessel wall [6] and cause vascular endothelial injury, platelet adhesion, thrombosis and phlebitis[7]. The filtration pore size of normal infusion set is 15μm, which can not effectively remove the insoluble particles in the drug liquid; while the precision infusion set with 3μm filter can effectively filter the insoluble particles in the drug liquid and reduce the irritation to the blood vessels. So the using of...