Lifespan of peripheral intravenous short catheters in hospitalized children: A prospective study

Lifespan and Associated Factors of Peripheral Intravenous Cannula Among Hospitalized Children in Public Hospitals of the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia, 2021

Background

Peripheral intravenous cannulas are routinely used in hospital-admitted children requiring intravenous therapy. The majority of peripheral IVC lines are removed before completion of therapy due to cannula complications in children. Peripheral intravenous cannula securing is a painful procedure for children, so recognizing the variables associated with the peripheral intravenous cannula lifespan would help decrease the complications and increase the duration of cannula patency.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to determine the lifespan and associated factors of peripheral intravenous cannula among hospitalized children in Gurage zone public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

We conducted an institution-based cross-sectional study design among 422 admitted children in public hospitals of the Gurage zone using a systematic random sampling technique. We collected data from interviews of parents using structured questionnaires and direct observations using checklists. The data was coded and entered into EPI-DATA version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was used by using a binary logistic regression model. Finally, the variables with a p-value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) from the multivariable analysis were considered statistically significant.

Results

One hundred and sixty-six children (41.4%) had a short cannula lifespan (below 30 h). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) [AOR = 4.975; 95% CI (2.811–8.805)], reason for removal (complication) [AOR = 3.277; 95% CI (1.924–5.583)], fluid [AOR = 2.285; 95% CI (1.274–4.100)], and blood transfusion [AOR = 2.407; 95% CI (1.005–5.572)] were the statistically significant variables associated with the lifespan of a peripheral intravenous cannula.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The proportion of the short lifespan of the peripheral intravenous cannula was higher in hospitalized children and health care providers better to use low concentration electrolytes, low osmotic pressure, and weak alkalinity fluid. The cannula access might be the responsibility of the health-trained staff, and conserving immediate removal upon the presence of a signal that indicates a complication.