A novel central line securement vest reduces line trauma and improves quality of life in patients with intestinal failure.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess the impact of a novel central line securement vest on the rate of line complications (trauma, infections, and replacements), and measures of quality of life (QOL) in pediatric patients with intestinal failure.

METHODS

We enrolled patients at a single tertiary pediatric center. We randomized 23 intestinal failure patients to a vest (n = 12, vest group) or traditional securement methods (n = 11, control group). Eleven patients in the vest group and 10 patients in the control group completed the study. Rates of trauma, infections, and replacements were calculated for each participant 12 months prior to and 12 months following enrollment, or for as long as the line remained in place and the vest was used. QOL scores were collected throughout the study.

RESULTS

The vest group had lower rates of trauma during the period of vest use versus prior to its use. The rates of infections and replacements were similar during vest use and prior to use. The control group had similar rates of trauma, infections, and replacements before and during the study period. The QOL scores in domains of activity level, overall QOL, and self-perception were higher in the vest versus control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot study, the use of a central line securement vest was associated with lower rates of line trauma. Several QOL domains showed better scores after the use of the vest in patients randomized to the vest versus the control group. Larger studies are warranted to assess the central line securement vest.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04522778; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04522778.