Effect of heparin and other factors associated with complications of peripherally inserted central venous catheters in neonates

Evaluation of Strategies for Reducing Vancomycin-Piperacillin/Tazobactam Incompatibility

BACKGROUND

Drug incompatibility is defined as a physical-chemical reaction between two or more injectable drugs and that results mainly in precipitation or insolubility. Several strategies for reducing incompatibilities have been implemented empirically in intensive care units. However, these strategies have never been compared directly (and particularly in terms of the particulate load and drug mass flow rate) under standardized conditions. The objective of the present in vitro study was to evaluate the impact of various strategies for preventing incompatibility between simultaneously infused vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam.

METHODS

An in-line filter, a dilute vancomycin solution (5 mg/mL), and an alternative saline administration line were evaluated separately. The infusion line outlet was connected to a dynamic particle counter. The antibiotic concentration was measured in an HPLC-UV assay.

RESULT

The use of an in-line filter and an alternative saline administration route did not significantly reduce the particulate load caused by vancomycin-piperacillin/tazobactam incompatibility. Dilution of the vancomycin solution was associated with a significantly lower particulate load and maintenance of the vancomycin mass flow rate.

DISCUSSION

It is important to systematically compare the efficacy of strategies for preventing drug incompatibility. The use of diluted vancomycin solution gave the best results in the case of vancomycin-piperacillin/tazobactam incompatibility.

A nurse-inserted peripherally inserted central catheter program in general pediatrics: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND

A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) with its tip preferably in the vena cava is essential in caring for patients with chronic conditions in general pediatrics. However, PICC-related complications are concerning and warrant further investigations.

OBJECTIVES

To share the experience of a nurse-inserted peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) program initiated in a general pediatric department.

METHODS

A retrospective descriptive cohort study based on a prospectively collected database was conducted. All PICCs inserted in the departments of gastroenterology and pulmonology in a tertiary pediatric center from Dec. 2015 to Dec. 2019 were included in the study. Complications and risk factors were analyzed by comparing cases with and without complications. We also reported arm movements in correcting mal-positioned newly-inserted PICCs.

RESULTS

There were 169 cases with a median (IQR) age of 42(6, 108) months who received PICC insertion during a 4-year period. Inflammatory bowel disease was the leading diagnosis accounting for 25.4% (43/169) of all cases. The overall complication rate was 16.4 per 1000 catheter days with malposition and occlusion as the two most common complications. Multivariate models performed by logistic regression demonstrated that young age [p = 0.004, OR (95%CI) = 0.987(0.978, 0.996)] and small PICC diameter (1.9Fr, p = 0.003, OR (95%CI) = 3.936(1.578, 9.818)] were risk factors for PICC complications. Correction of malpositioned catheters was attempted and all succeeded in 9 eligible cases by using arm movements.

CONCLUSION

The nurse-inserted PICC program in general pediatrics is feasible with a low rate of complications. PICC tip malposition and occlusion were two major PICC-related complications when low age and small catheter lumina were major risk factors. Furtherly, arm manipulation potentially is an easy and effective approach for correcting malpositioned newly-inserted PICC catheters.

Comparison of bedside ultrasonography and bedside chest radiography in neonatal peripherally inserted central catheters: A before and after self-control study

Objective

This study aimed to compare the applications of bedside ultrasonography (US) and bedside chest radiography (CR) in positioning peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Methods

The study is a prospective before and after self-control clinical trial. A consecutive series of 181 neonate patients were finally enrolled for PICC placement. CR, followed by US, was used to evaluate and readjust the sites of catheter tips. The imaging capability for PICC key structures, fluctuation of the measured data, measurement of tip-to-atrium distance, operation time, infants' body temperature changes, and direct expenses of the two imaging modalities were obtained and compared.

Results

(1) Comparison in viewing PICC key structures: the display rate of catheter tip, SVC-and-right-atrium junction, IVC-and-right-atrium junction and tip-to-atrium distance is 99.47%, 100%, 100% and 99.47% for US and 100%, 98.42%, 97.37% and 95.79% for CR, respectively. (2) Fluctuation of the measured data by US and CR: the tip-to-atrium distance measured by US is 0.631 (0.435-0.820) cm, and that measured by CR is 0.593 (0.210-0.825) cm. US showed a narrower range of datum variance. (3) Consistency between US and CR: for consistency analysis, the Kappa coefficient (κ) was 0.843 (P < 0.05), showing their favorable consistency. (4) Comparison of operation time and infants' body temperature drop: for a CR exam, the time period taken was significantly longer than that of US (59.7 ± 26.33 vs. 79.6 ± 28.06, P < 0.001); and CR operations caused a significant babies' body temperature drop compared to US (0.14 ± 0.11 vs. 0.34 ± 0.19, P < 0.001). (5) Comparison of the direct expenses: the total cost for CR positioning was significantly higher than that for US (¥153.99 vs. ¥143, P = 0.026).

Conclusion

US exhibited superior traits to CR in the positioning of PICC tip. It could be promising for routine use in NICU.

Charakteristika und klinische Manifestation katheterassoziierter Thrombosen bei Frühgeborenen

Hintergrund

In der Neonatologie sind peripher eingeführte zentrale Katheter ein häufiger Zugangsweg zur parenteralen Ernährung und Verabreichung von Medikamenten und Flüssigkeit. Die Vorteile stehen den Risiken wie Infektion, Thrombose und Fehllage gegenüber.

Fragestellung

Welche Charakteristika und klinischen Zeichen weisen auf das Vorliegen einer katheterassoziierten Thrombose hin?

Material und Methoden

In einer retrospektiven Betrachung aus dem Zeitraum 2010–2016 wurden alle Fälle von katheterassoziierten Thrombosen untersucht. Identifiziert wurden 10 Frühgeborene, deren Indikation zur Katheteranlage, Zugangsweg, Lage der Katheterspitze, Liegedauer, klinische Symptome und Krankheitsverlauf analysiert wurden.

Ergebnisse

Bei 10 Frühgeborenen mit einem Gestationsalter von 23 + 4 bis 34 + 5 SSW wurden 11 Thromboseereignisse beobachtet. Zehn der 11 Thromboseereignisse betrafen die V. cava inferior nach Katheteranlage an der unteren Extremität. Die Indikation zur Katheteranlage waren parenterale Ernährung und chirurgische Eingriffe. Bei 9 Patienten traten perinatale Komplikationen auf. Bei allen Patienten bestand während der Liegedauer der Katheter der Verdacht auf eine Infektion. Das Auftreten der Thrombose wurde nach 3 bis 27 Tagen sonographisch dokumentiert. In 8 Thromboseereignissen war eine Thrombozytopenie, in 4 Fällen eine Beinschwellung auffällig.

Diskussion

Das Patientenkollektiv zeigt Gemeinsamkeiten im klinischen Verlauf und bei den Symptomen, welche auf das Vorliegen einer Thrombose deuten. Auffällig ist außerdem, dass die meisten Thromboseereignisse das Stromgebiet der V. cava inferior betrafen.

Comparing the use of silicone and polyurethane Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in newborns: A retrospective study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To compare polyurethane and silicone peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in newborns regarding the success rates of insertion and duration and the reasons for nonelective removal.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have attempted to identify predictors of PICC complications in newborns, such as lower extremity insertion or femoral catheter insertion, procedures that require 60 minutes or more, duration longer than 30 days and non-central position of the catheter tip. However, there is little evidence on which type of PICC material causes less complications, especially in newborns.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort, guided by the STROBE tool.

METHODS

We divided the newborns into two groups according to the type of PICC material: polyurethane and silicone. Our sample was composed of 449 PICCs, of which 246 polyurethane PICCs and 203 silicone PICCs, inserted in 294 newborns. Bivariate analysis was performed for data comparison. All statistically significant variables in the bivariate analysis were included in the logistic regression (p ≤ .05).

RESULTS

Of the 449 PICCs that we analysed, the central position of the catheter tip predominated for both types of materials, with a higher prevalence of false passage for the polyurethane group. There was no difference between the average duration. The incidence of nonelective PICC removal was 49.27% for the silicone group, and infiltration/extravasation and rupture were among the reasons for nonelective removal.

CONCLUSION

The overall success rates in the insertion and duration of the PICC were almost identical for both types of material, despite the high incidence of false passage for polyurethane PICCs. Nonelective removals were higher for silicone PICCs, which also had a higher incidence for infiltration/extravasation and rupture.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Can contribute to the knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of polyurethane and silicone PICCs, with a view to reduce the incidence of nonelective removals.

Strategies to prevent drug incompatibility during simultaneous multi-drug infusion in intensive care units: a literature review

PURPOSE

Drug protocols in intensive care units may require the concomitant administration of many drugs as patients' venous accesses are often limited. A major challenge for clinicians is to limit the risk of simultaneously infusing incompatible drugs. Incompatibilities can lead to the formation of particles and inactivation of drugs, whose consequences on the body have already been indicated. Our objective was to assess current strategies to counter the risk of incompatible infusions and control the resulting clinical consequences.

METHODS

This review was independently conducted by three investigators in respect of the PRISMA statement. Three online databases were consulted. Full-text articles, notes, or letters written in English or French, published or in press between the 1990s and the end of February 2020, with clinical study design, were eligible. Parameters of interest were mainly number and size of particles, and a number of observed/avoided incompatibilities.

RESULTS

All in all, 382 articles were screened, 17 meeting all the acceptance criteria. The strategies outlined and assessed were filtration, the use of multi-lumen devices, the purging of infusion lines, incompatibility tables and databases, and the use of standard operating procedures.

CONCLUSION

Although many strategies have been developed in recent years to address drug incompatibility risks, clinical data is still lacking. All studies with in vitro design were excluded although some current innovative strategies, like niosomes, should be considered and studied by means of clinical data in the future.

[Operation and management guidelines for peripherally inserted central catheter in neonates (2021)]

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) has been widely used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in recent years, but there are potential risks for complications related to PICC. Based on the current evidence in China and overseas, the operation and management guidelines for PICC in neonates were developed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) in order to help the NICU staff to regulate the operation and management of PICC.

Nursing Interventions to Reduce Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Occlusion for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Cancer patients are considered the most at risk of the consequences of catheter occlusion. Therefore, nursing interventions that can effectively reduce the occlusion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines must be identified to ensure a smooth treatment.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate nursing interventions to minimize PICC line occlusion and make recommended measures for preventing or decreasing occlusion and abnormal extubation.

METHODS

Studies about PICC occlusion that were published up to January 2017 were searched and screened in PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct (Elsevier), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Chinese databases CNKI and Wanfang. Two independent reviewers screened the literature in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed the quality of the included studies, and extracted the data. Further meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Thirteen trials were included. Meta-analysis revealed that education for nurses (relative risk, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.51; P < .00001) was significantly associated with PICC occlusion, whereas PICC type (relative risk, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-1.15; P = .12) was not significantly associated with PICC occlusion. The solution to washing pipes and the PICC insertion techniques were descriptively analyzed to reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

This study determined the correlation of PICC occlusion with the nurses' knowledge and skills, PICC types, flushing liquid and methods, and insertion techniques.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings of this study can serve as a guide for clinical work and for developing targeted measures to reduce occlusion.

Prediction of Nonelective Central Venous Catheter Removal in Medically Complex Neonates

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Introduction:

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential to neonatal care but associated with significant morbidity. Nonelective CVC removal (NER) is an inadequately studied outcome associated with increased morbidity, infant and family stress, and cost. This study describes prevalence and predictors of NER in infants admitted to a level IV neonatal intensive care unit and NER variation between peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), cutdown PICCs, and surgical CVCs.

Methods:

In this study, we include patient and catheter data for infants admitted to a level IV neonatal intensive care unit (2010–2015). Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis, and chi-square tests for continuous, non-normally distributed continuous, and categorical variables, respectively. The association between NER due to complication and infant and catheter characteristics was assessed using generalized linear mixed models.

Results:

Patient and catheter characteristics vary significantly by catheter type. The overall rate of NER is 15% (17% PICCs, 13% cutdown PICCs, and 19% surgical CVCs). The most common indications for NER are catheter breakage, blood stream infection(BSI)/central line-associated blood stream infection(CLABSI), catheter malposition, mechanical obstruction, and extravasation. Birth weight, patient diagnosis, catheter dwell time, and concurrent catheters are associated with increased odds of NER.

Conclusions:

Patient risk factors and potentially modifiable catheter characteristics, including catheter dwell time and concurrent catheters, are associated with increased NER. As NER is associated with a broad spectrum of adverse outcomes, we propose a quality improvement strategy to risk stratify patients and reduce exposure to high-risk, modifiable catheter characteristics.

Dwell times and risk of non-elective removal of 1-French peripherally inserted central catheters according to catheter tip position in very preterm infants

We investigated dwell times and risk of non-elective removal of 975 single-lumen 1-French peripherally inserted central catheters (1FR-PICC) according to tip position in a cohort of very preterm infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 27⁺⁶ (2⁺¹) weeks and a mean (SD) birth weight of 988 (294) g over an eight-year period. Infants with a 1FR-PICC inserted for continuous infusion of intravenous fluids within the first 30 days of life were eligible. Dwell times of PICC with elective versus non-elective removal, risk of non-elective removal of PICC according to tip position, and differences between upper versus lower limb catheter insertion were analysed. 33.8% PICC were removed non-electively. Median (IQR) dwell time was 193 (142-287) versus 154 (102-260) h for elective versus non-elective removal (p < 0.001). Non-elective removal was more common for lower limb insertion sites: 41 versus 31% (p = 0.002). PICC were significantly more likely to be removed non-electively when located in the axillary (odds ratio (OR) 2.08), cephalic (OR 8.93), external iliac (OR 4.99), and femoral (OR 10.31) vein.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort, dwell times of 1FR-PICC lines removed non-electively were similar to 1.9- or 2.0FR-PICC. PICC tips positioned in the axillary, cephalic, external iliac, and femoral veins had a higher risk of non-elective removal. What is Known: •Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are widely used in neonatal intensive care. •Previous studies focused on 2-French PICC and newborns of all gestational ages. What is New: •Dwell times of 1-French PICC removed non-electively were similar to 2-French PICC. •1-French PICC tips positioned more peripherally had a higher risk of non-elective removal.

[Nutrition in the preterm hospitalized newborn. Recommendations of the Chilean Neonatology Branch, Chilean Pediatric Society]

Recommendations based on current publications are presented for postnatal preterm nutrition, depending on birth weight: less 1000g, between 1000 and 1500g, and above 1500g, as well for the development periods: adaptation, stabilisation, and growth. A review is also presented on the nutritional management of morbidities that affect or may affect nutrition, such as: osteopenia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, red cell transfusion, and short bowel syndrome.

Fatores de risco para infecção de corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter central de inserção periférica em neonatos

Resumo Objetivo Identificar os fatores de risco para infecção de corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter central de inserção periférica em neonatos. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo conduzido em unidade de terapia intensiva com recém-nascidos submetidos à instalação de 401 cateteres centrais de inserção periférica. Características clínicas do neonato, técnica de inserção do cateter, terapia intravenosa e tempo de permanência do cateter foram testados como fatores de risco para remoção por infecção de corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter, por meio de análise bivariada e análise multivariada com regressão de Poisson. Resultados Os dados sugerem que as menores médias de peso e idade gestacional corrigida, bem como o maior tempo de permanência do cateter estiveram associados à ocorrência de infecção de corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter. A menor idade gestacional corrigida, os diagnósticos clínicos de transtorno transitório do metabolismo e apneia, e o uso do cateter de duas vias foram identificados como fatores de risco. Conclusão A menor idade gestacional corrigida do neonato, os diagnósticos clínicos de transtorno transitório do metabolismo e apneia, e o uso do cateter de duas vias foram identificados como fatores de risco para infecção de corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter central de inserção periférica em neonatos.

The development of a risk score for unplanned removal of peripherally inserted central catheter in newborns

OBJECTIVE:

to develop a risk score for unplanned removal of peripherally inserted central catheter in newborns.

METHOD:

prospective cohort study conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit with newborn babies who underwent 524 catheter insertions. The clinical characteristics of the newborn, catheter insertion and intravenous therapy were tested as risk factors for the unplanned removal of catheters using bivariate analysis. The risk score was developed using logistic regression. Accuracy was internally validated based on the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve.

RESULTS:

the risk score was made up of the following risk factors: transient metabolic disorders; previous insertion of catheter; use of a polyurethane double-lumen catheter; infusion of multiple intravenous solutions through a single-lumen catheter; and tip in a noncentral position. Newborns were classified into three categories of risk of unplanned removal: low (0 to 3 points), moderate (4 to 8 points), and high (≥ 9 points). Accuracy was 0.76.

CONCLUSION:

the adoption of evidence-based preventative strategies based on the classification and risk factors faced by the newborn is recommended to minimize the occurrence of unplanned removals.

Major thrombotic complications with lower limb PICCs in surgical neonates

BACKGROUND

PICC lines are now used routinely to provide central access for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Neonates are known to be at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) related to central catheters. No literature exists about VTE PICC-related morbidity in the NICU abdominal surgery subgroup.

METHODS

With REB approval, a retrospective review of a NICU database of PICC insertions performed at a tertiary children's hospital was conducted (January 2010-June 2013). Information about PICCs and complications was recorded. For patients with a major thrombotic complication, charts were reviewed. A major thrombotic complication was defined as a thrombosis which required medical and/or surgical intervention.

RESULTS

692 PICCs were inserted (485 in the upper extremity, 142 in the lower extremity, and 65 in the scalp). Seventy-four patients had significant intraabdominal pathology, and 5 had a major thrombotic complication. All patients with a major thrombotic complication had a lower extremity PICC which was at or below L1 (L1-S1) running parenteral nutrition.

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, only neonates with abdominal pathology and a lower extremity insertion site suffered major thrombotic complications from PICC lines. Given all patients' PICC tips were below the recommended location, more rigorous surveillance (with repositioning if required) may avoid these complications for future patients.

Neonatal peripherally inserted central catheter practices and their association with demographics, training, and radiographic monitoring: results from a national survey

The goal of this secondary analysis of results from a national survey of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) practices in neonates was to determine whether demographics and types of training were associated with differing radiographic confirmation practices of these catheters. Correlational analyses were performed on the 2010 national database of neonatal PICC practices. The sample consisted of 187 respondents, representing 25% of the level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of more than 20 beds in the United States. The key factors examined were geographic location, size of NICU, academic affiliation, and type of training related to radiographic confirmation of the catheter tip position, routine monitoring and reconfirmation of the catheter tip position following adjustments, and associated patient positioning practices for consistent evaluation of the catheter tip position. Formal training and annual retraining were statistically significantly associated with consistent patient positioning practices for more accurate monitoring of the catheter tip position and acceptable tip location. Size of NICU and academic affiliation were not associated with differences in practices. Adherence to specific national guidelines and recommendations for care of infants with PICCs is significantly impacted by formal training and annual retraining. This underscores the importance of education and annual retraining in preventing PICC-related complications beyond the crucial prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections.

Management of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in pediatric heart failure patients receiving continuous inotropic support

The study aim was to evaluate present practice of maintaining PICC line patency in pediatric heart failure patients receiving continuous inotropes by comparing one cohort receiving low dose continuous heparin with one receiving no heparin. A case control retrospective chart review compared the two cohorts on duration of patency (measured in days) and need for thrombolytic agents. Median duration of patency for the heparin group was 24 days versus 16 days for the no heparin group (p=0.07). Use of thrombolytic agents was 28% in the heparin group compared to 50% in the no heparin group (p=0.08). Although not statistically significant, findings were clinically significant and supportive of current practice.

Peripherally inserted central catheter tip position and risk of associated complications in neonates

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the relationship between peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) tip positions and associated complications in neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

Catheter tip position for 319 infants was classified into superior vena cava (SVC, n=131), inferior vena cava (IVC, n=72), brachiocephalic (BC, n=59), midclavicular (MC, n=49) or iliac. Duration of catheter stay and complication profile was compared between central (SVC/IVC) vs non-central PICC, and between SVC vs IVC, SVC vs BC and SVC vs MC. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and regression models were used.

RESULT

Overall length of catheter stay was similar between central and non-central group. Non-central catheters (n=116) had higher complication rates (47 vs 29%; P=0.001), non-elective removals (45 vs 27%; P=0.002) and shorter time to complication (6.2 vs 11.4 days; P=0.043). This difference was primarily due to the complications encountered in MC group, which had the highest rate of infiltration (P<0.001) and mechanical complications while outcomes were similar among other subgroups. Interestingly, catheter survival probability was similar in all groups for first 4 days. Rate and types of blood stream infections were not related to catheter tip position.

CONCLUSION

Non-central PICCs are associated with higher rates of infiltration and mechanical complications when the tip is in MC region. BC catheters may have comparable outcomes to SVC in neonates. A careful risk-benefit analysis is warranted when MC catheters are used in neonates.