AbstractObjectives: Present study was performed with an objective to compare complication rates & average duration of stay between, peripherally located catheter tip, non–centrally (intermediate) located catheter tip and centrally located catheter tip of percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICCs) in neonates. Material and methods: Present retrospective cohort study was performed at level III neonatal care in neonates who underwent PICCs placement through saphenous vein. We analyzed the data of the neonates from our NICU from March 2009 to September 2009 who underwent PICCs placement. Patients demographics, catheter duration and catheter complications were analyzed retrospectively. Catheter tip location was determined by X-ray. Difference in the complication rates, premature removal rates and average duration of stay in peripheral, non-central (intermediate) and central groups were analyzed. Results: Data of total 49 neonates was analyzed. Of the 49 PICCs, in 16 (32.6%) catheter tip was in peripheral location, in 23 (46.9%) catheter tip was in non-central (intermediate) location and in 10 (20.4%) catheter tip was central location. The peripheral group had complication rate of 81.2% (13/16), while the intermediate group had complication rate of 26% (6/23), and central group had no complications. Average duration of stay of catheter in peripheral group was 7.1 days, intermediate group was 10.7 days, and central group was 28.3 days. Conclusion: Placement of the tip of the PICCs beyond the sapheno femoral junction even though not central is acceptable in standard care of newborn.
Keywords: Percutaneously inserted central catheter (PICCs); Neonatal.