Abstract: AIM: To explore the effect of intermediate frequency pulse electric therapy on Phlebitis caused by peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC).METHODS: Ninety cases of phlebitis caused by PICC were randomly divided into 3 groups (group A, B and C,n=30). Group A, B and C were treated by intermediate frequency pulse electric therapy, Kang whirlpool posted therapy and moist heat therapy respectively.The degree of pain, swelling and the cure rate were observed on the 3rd day, 5th day and 7th day after treatment.RESULTS: The reduced level of pain among the three groups on the 3rd day, 5th day and 7th day was statistically significant (P<0.01 for all). The difference of the eliminated degree of swelling on the 5th day and 7th day was statistically significant (P<0.01). The cure rate was statistically significant different on the 7th day. The better effect of the treatment was observed in group A comparing with group B or C (P<0.01),but there was no obvious difference between group B and C (P>0.05).CONCLUSION: The intermediate frequency pulse electric therapy is effective in alleviating local pain and swelling, and shows a better effect in the treatment of phlebitis caused by PICC than kang whirlpool transparent stickers or moist heat,and this method is worthly being recommended in the clinical application.

Key words: the intermediate frequency pulse electric therapy, PICC, phlebitis