The aim of this retrospective study was to clarify the relationship between sign- and symptom-related catheter failure(SRCF)and patient characteristics including blood test data and intravenous fluids. Data were obtained from medical records after 2 months of research at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan. Information on a total of 4,854 catheters placed in 2,150 patients was collected, among which there were 857 SRCFs. SRCF risk factors were female sex, irritant infusate, and blood test results that were recorded nearest to the day of catheter removal.C-reactive protein(≥ 2.0 mg/dL)and albumin(≤ 3.5 g/dL)were significantly associated with SRCF after adjustment in multivariate analysis(adjusted odds ratios(OR)=1.37, 95% confidence intervals(CI)=1.11-1.69, 1.35, 1.07-1.70, respectively). Furthermore, low serum albumin was associated with SRCF even without irritant infusate administration on the day of catheter removal(adjusted OR=1.57, CI=1.14-2.16). Thus, low serum albumin may promote SRCF. SRCF risk factors included not only sex, medical history, and irritant infusate but also blood test results, most notably serum albumin concentration. Healthcare providers should not only observe traditional signs and symptoms but also consider other patient characteristics, including blood test data.
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