Peripherally inserted central catheter complications in neonates – our experiences

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) in critically ill premature neonates; A retrospective analysis of 30 infants with very low and extremely low birth weights (VLBW, ELBW) who underwent PICC placement over a three-year period, from January 2012 till January 2015. Gestational age, birth weight (BW), sex, site of catheter placement, reason for catheter removal, duration of catheter use, proven sepsis, type of reported organism and rate of complications were collected. The infants were classified into two groups according to BWs: Group 1—VLBW infants (BW be-tween 1,000 and 1,500 g) and Group 2—ELBW infants (BW <1,000 g). During the study period PICCs were attempted in 40 patients. A PICC was successfully inserted into 30 patients (75%). PICCs placed in either the upper or the lower extremity. There were no differences in complication rates. The median time of catheter inser-tion was 13 (1-35) days for Group 1 and 11 (6-19) days for Group 2. The median du-ration of PICCs was 10.5 (2-16) and 12.2 (3-25) days. Statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference between the groups for both catheter insertion day and mean duration of PICCs (p= 0.241, respectively). There were no significant differences between groups for the reasons for catheter removal (p=0.598). PICCs are convenient for the administration of long course antibiotics and parenteral nutrition for both VLBW and ELBW infants, but there are many risks associated with the insertion of PICCs, including serious and fatal complications.

Catheter-related infections, Cen-tral venous catheterization, Complications, Extremely low birth weight infant, Very low birth weight infant

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