Ultrasonic investigation of the effect of topical glyceryl trinitrate on peripheral arm vein diameter: implications for intravenous nutrition.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

It has been suggested that topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment may cause venodilatation and hence deter thrombophlebitis. However, objective evidence of an increase in vein diameter has not been demonstrated.

METHODS:

B mode ultrasonography was used to measure arm vein diameter. In a prospective study, measurements were taken before and after 24 hours of exposure to topical GTN.

RESULTS:

Reproducibility of vein diameter measurement was demonstrated. Basilic veins were larger than cephalic veins, but exposure to GTN ointment for 24 hours was not associated with measurable venodilatation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ultrasonography enabled noninvasive measurement of intraluminal vein diameter. It is unlikely that GTN prevents thrombophlebitis in superficial arm veins by causing venodilatation.

• Authors: N J Everitt
• Journal: JPEN. Journal of parenteral and enteral nutrition (JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr) 1999 Nov-Dec Vol. 23 Issue 6 Pg. 360-2 ISSN: 0148-6071 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10574486 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Ointments
• Vasodilator Agents
• Nitroglycerin

Topics

• Arm (blood supply)
• Humans
• Male
• Nitroglycerin (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Ointments
• Parenteral Nutrition
• Prospective Studies
• Reproducibility of Results
• Ultrasonography
• Vasodilation (drug effects)
• Vasodilator Agents (pharmacology)
• Veins (diagnostic imaging, drug effects, physiology)