Complications of central lines in neonates admitted to a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the incidence and risk factors for central line related complications in neonates.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of infants who underwent central line (CL) placement, from 1 July 2014 to 31 June 2016, was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Centro Hospitalar de São João. Infants hospitalized more than 2 d and CLs placed for more than 24 h were included. Patients’ demographic characteristics, hospital data, and information on CLs were collected. Indwelling complications were compared between infant groups and types of CL inserted.

Results: A total of 400 CLs were inserted in 240 infants with a CL utilization ratio of 0.64. Overall CL complication rate was 29.6 per 1000 catheter days. Of all complications, central line-associated bloodstream infection had the highest incidence (12.4 per 1000 catheter days). Infiltration was the most reported mechanical complication. Non-umbilical catheters showed a significantly higher incidence of complications than umbilical ones. Low gestational age, low birth weight, prolonged catheter stay, long duration of total parenteral nutrition, and peripherally inserted central catheter placement were associated with a higher risk of indwelling complication.

Conclusions: The implementation of measures to prevent catheter-related complications must be a priority in care of vulnerable neonates.

Keywords:

• Catheter-related complication
• central line
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• neonate

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.