Effectiveness of clobetasol and nitroglycerin ointment therapy: a systematic review

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of clobetasol ointment with nitroglycerin ointment on the prevention of superficial phlebitis caused by Angio catheter. Materials and methods: This study was performed as a clinical trial on 110 patients admitted to the surgical ward. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: clobetasol, nitroglycerin group and control group. The data collection tools of the questionnaire included demographic information, information about intravenous treatment and phlebitis measurement scale. In the intervention groups, after venipuncture, 1.5 cm (about 2 g) of ointment was applied in the distal part of the Angio catheter and the site was dressed with sterile gauze. In three time periods of 24, 48 and 72 hours from the time of venipuncture, the site was examined for phlebitis. Results: The results showed that the age group of 18 to 30 years was the most common age group. The most common site of cannulation was 62.5% in the clobetasol group, 59.5% in the nitroglycerin group and 46.9% in the control group. The incidence of phlebitis in the study groups by the time elapsed since the placement of the Angio catheter showed that, in the first 72 hours after the placement of the Angio catheter, there was no significant difference between the three groups. But at 96 and 118 hours after catheter placement between intervention and control groups was significant (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the use of nitroglycerin ointment was more effective than clobetasol ointment in preventing superficial phlebitis caused by Angio catheter. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is recommended to use clobetasol ointment and nitroglycerin ointment to prevent the occurrence of phlebitis in patients who need long-term use of Angio catheter (more than 96 hours).