Umbilically and Peripherally Inserted Thin Central Venous Catheters Have Similar Risks of Complications in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

In order to compare the complications associated with thin (1-2F) umbilical vein catheters (tUVC) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, the frequencies and causes of the non-elective removal of first tUVCs and PICCs were evaluated in 195 VLBW infants born in one hospital. Data were collected from patient records. Risk factors for catheter complications were analysed using logistic regression analysis. Altogether, 92 (47%) infants had tUVCs, and 103 (53%) PICCs. In total, 78 (40%) infants underwent the non-elective removal of their first catheters, most commonly due to suspected infection (n=42) or catheter dislocation (n=30). Infants with complications had lower birth weights and gestational ages than those without. The frequencies and causes of the non-elective catheter removal were similar in the tUVC and PICC groups. True catheter infection was diagnosed in 31 infants. The number of infections/1,000 catheter days was higher in the tUVC than in the PICC group. In a multivariable analysis, gestational age was found to be associated with catheter infection, but catheter type was not. Conclusion: The odds of catheter complications seem to decrease with increasing gestational age, but no clear association with thin catheter type was found.