Phlebitis can have other causal factors like bacterial infections and chemical reactions that cause the inflammation of veins. Moreover, in phlebitis, the vein is simply inflamed, while when a patient experiences infiltration the IV fluid percolates into the surrounding tissues.

This is a direct consequence of the catheter backing up from the insertion site and perforating the vein. Unlike infiltration, phlebitis does not cause fluid leakage from the insertion site into the neighboring tissues.

Phlebitis vs Infiltration

The main difference between phlebitis and infiltration can be noted in terms of the causes of each medical condition. While phlebitis may be caused by multiple factors including IV catheters, infiltration is caused solely by the perforation of a vein by the IV catheter.

Comparison Table Between Phlebitis and Infiltration

What is Phlebitis?

The inflammation of the intimal layer of the vein is called Phlebitis. It is commonly experienced as a result of administering intravenous medications in patients.

The word is derived from ‘phleb’ meaning vein and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation in the medication diction. The clotting of blood near the surface of veins cause phlebitis in patients on IV medications. This is known as Thrombophlebitis.

Around 20%-80% of patients on IV medications suffer from phlebitis. The symptoms of phlebitis can range from pain, redness, edema (swelling) and tenderness to the most prominently noted symptom of palpable venous cords.

Although phlebitis can commonly affect patients from the age group of 41-60 years, it can also occur in younger people.

Phlebitis can be divided into 3 categories based on its causal factors. Mechanical phlebitis is the first category that is caused by the insertion of the IV catheter. Bacteria phlebitis is caused by a bacterial infection and finally, chemical phlebitis that may occur as a result of fluids IV catheters or fluids.

It is usually a treatable condition that has to be first ascertained by medical testing. While superficial phlebitis can be treated easily, DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis needs immediate medical attention.

The condition resolves within a week when treated with proper anti-inflammatory medication. Cold compresses and blood thinners are also used to treat the condition.

What is Infiltration?

Infiltration is another kind of vascular trauma commonly experienced by patients with IV catheters. However, it is different from phlebitis as when patients suffer from infiltration they experience the perforation of the vein and the consequent leakage of IV fluids into the neighboring tissues.

The IV catheter can either puncture the vein by backing out from its site of insertion or puncture the other side of the vein. The most common symptom of infiltration is edema or swelling of the site. Fall in body temperature, pale skin, intense pain, numbness and sensitivity at the site may be classed as distinguishing symptoms of infiltration.

Older patients may be more susceptible to infiltration because of the enhanced fragility of their veins due to old age.

In severe cases, left untreated infiltration can cause long-term tissue damage and necrosis. It can also cause severe nerve compression in the patient. In these cases, the accumulated fluid has to be pumped out immediately to prevent the occurrence of compartment syndrome and lasting damage.

Sometimes it can also result in amputations if treatment is delayed. The treatment for infiltration includes immediate removal of IV catheters, inspecting the inflamed site, elevating the leg or arm, using medications to treat the severe cases of high volume fluid build-up.

Main Differences Between Phlebitis and Infiltration

Conclusion

Both these medical conditions are commonly associated with IV complications and often they are misidentified as the other. They share several symptoms as well as therapy options. However, the salient differences between the two must be noted so as to prevent misdiagnosis.

Phlebitis may be caused by IV catheters or bacterial and chemical infections. Infiltration is solely caused by IV catheters dislodging fluids into the neighboring tissue area. Infiltration-caused fluid build-up can be very harmful.

Moreover, the vein is simply inflamed under phlebitis while it is perforated when the patient suffers from infiltration. The two conditions also bear subtle differences in terms of symptoms. These differences must be cognized to avoid flawed treatment strategies.

References

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