By: Liling Lin, Ling Li, Jinglian Lin
Keywords: Chemotherapy; vascular injury; vascular wall thickness; phlebitis; abnormal blood flow; inflammation; thrombotic markers; venous access devices
DOI : 10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.4.REG.13883.1
Abstract: This study investigated vascular injury incidence, symptoms, and changes in vascular wall thickness and blood flow in 140 chemotherapy patients. Vascular ultrasound and laboratory tests were conducted at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-chemotherapy. Results showed that vascular injury incidence increased over time (12.9% at 1 week, 25.0% at 1 month, 34.3% at 3 months, P<0.05). Vascular wall thickness (IMT) thickened from 0.61±0.11 mm at baseline to 0.85±0.22 mm at 3 months (P<0.01) and vascular diameter increased from 2.34±0.22 mm to 2.55±0.33 mm at 3 months (P<0.01). Severe phlebitis incidence rose from 2.9% at 1 week to 7.1% at 3 months (P<0.01). Elevated CRP and D-dimer levels correlated with increased vascular wall thickness and thrombosis. Enhanced monitoring and personalized interventions are needed to reduce complications. Combining ultrasound and laboratory markers can improve assessment of chemotherapy-induced vascular injury.
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