| Sub-title | |
| Authors | V Zammit J Fenech N Galea V Grech |
| Abstract | Aim: To categorise the use and problems encountered with vascular access lines in neonates admitted to the local neonatal unit. Method: Prospective data for all umbilical, peripheral arterial and venous lines from 1st January 2005 to 31st June 2006 were captured into a custom database application. This included birthweight, gestation, diagnosis, indication, catheter lifespan, reason for removal and complications. Results: A total of 264 lines were inserted in 172 neonates. The gestational age ranged from 23 to 40 weeks (median 34). 129 umbilical arterial catheters (UACs), 39 umbilical venous catheters (UVCs), 28 femoral venous lines, 41 radial arterial lines and 11 peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) were performed. The median lifespans were 5 days (range 0-35), 4 days, (range 0-14), 12 days (range 2-37), 5 days (range 1-24) and 5 days (range 2-10) respectively. 12.4% of UACs were removed because of suspected or proven sepsis, 4.7% because of suspected onset of necrotizing enterocolitis, 3.9% because of vascular changes to the lower limbs, 3.4% of UACs were dislodged. 15.4% of UVCs were removed because of sampling difficulty, 36% of femoral venous lines were removed for suspected or proven sepsis, 27% of radial arterial lines were dislodged, while 36% of PICC were blocked. No neonatal deaths were directly attributable to the presence of a central line. Conclusions: The median durations and complications are compared with published series. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | audit, central line, complications, neonate, venous access |