Complication profiles of central and non-central 1 Fr PICCs in neonates weighing <1500 g.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the complication profiles of central and non-central 1 Fr peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) in neonates.

METHODS

A total of 123 neonates (73 males and 50 females) were included in this study. PICCs with distal tips in the superior or inferior vena cava were defined as central, and those with their distal tips in the brachiocephalic, subclavian, common iliac or external iliac vein were defined as non-central.

RESULTS

Polyurethane central venous 1 Fr catheters (36 non-central and 87 central) were inserted. The mean birth weight, mean weeks of gestation, postnatal age of the infants at the time of catheter insertion (days), duration of catheter use (days), maximum amount of fluid administered (ml) per 24 h or per hour, amount of heparin in the fluid administered via catheter (IU/ml), protein supplementation, dextrose concentration of the total parenteral solution, and reasons for catheter removal did not vary between the two groups (p > 0.05). Catheter occlusion was the most common complication (42%).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-central PICCs may be used to provide intravascular access in neonates weighing < 1500 g when prolonged intravenous access is required.