Preventive effects of dexamethasone on phlebitis caused by intravenous infusion of 5-FU

Objective To evaluate the preventive effects of dexamethasone on phlebitis caused by 5-FU chemotherapy. Methods Forty patients receiving the intravenous infusion of 5-FU were randomly divided into two groups (treatment and control groups). In treatment group(n=20), 5 mg dexamethasone was infused into external vein through Murphy's Dropper before the chemotherapy. In control group (n=20), dexamethasone was not used. The incidence rates of phlebitis were compared between both groups. Result The incidence rate of phlebitis in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group(χ 2=8.287, P0.01). Conclusion Dexamethasone can be used to prevent the peripheral phlebitis caused by dexamethasone therapy.