Pediatric vascular access secured with tissue adhesive: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Evaluate the effectiveness of tissue adhesive (TA) in reducing vascular access device failure and complications in pediatrics.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis, following Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA standards. Six databases and three trial registries were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2007 and 2024. Eligible studies included pediatric patients (post-neonatal discharge to <18years) with peripheral or central venous access devices (CVADs) secured with TA. Two reviewers independently screened studies and extracted data, with a third resolving conflicts. Risk of bias was assessed through RoB2.0, and certainty of evidence through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Primary outcome was device failure; secondary included overall and individual complications, hemostasis, life of first dressing, catheter dwell time, and staff/caregiver acceptability. Meta-analyses used a common-effect model to calculate pooled risk ratios (RR) and incidence rate ratios (IRR).

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: CRD42024558209.

RESULTS

Five studies (3 CVADs, 2 Peripheral Intravenous Catheters [PIVCs]; 1030 children) were included. For PIVCs, TA reduced failure (RR = 0.66; 95%CI:0.50-0.87; I2 = 80%,τ2 = 0.20,p = 0.02), though IRR was not significant (IRR = 0.73; 95%CI:0.53-1.01; I2 = 69%,τ2 = 0.14,p = 0.07); both GRADE rated as very low certainty evidence. TA significantly reduced overall complications (RR = 0.56; 95% CI:0.47-0.67; I2 = 0%,τ2 = 0,p = 0.74 vs IRR = 0.62; 95% CI:0.48-0.80; I2 = 0%,τ2 = 0,p = 0.98), and dislodgement (RR = 0.30; 95% CI:0.12-0.76,I2 = 17%, τ2 = 0.08,p = 0.27 vs IRR = 0.31; 95% CI:0.13-0.74; I2 = 0%,τ2 = 0, p = 0.32); both GRADE rated as low certainty. No significant associations were detected for CVADs.

CONCLUSIONS

TA may reduce failure, overall complications and dislodgement for PIVCs in children, but no benefit was observed for CVADs. Larger RCTs using standardized methods are needed to strengthen the evidence.