Heparin for prolonging peripheral intravenous catheter use in neonates

Heparin versus normal saline for the care of peripheral intravenous catheters in children: A meta-analysis

AIM

To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the role of heparin versus normal saline lock in the care of peripheral intravenous catheters.

DESIGN

A meta-analysis.

METHODS

This meta-analysis searched nine databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on heparin versus normal saline for the care of peripheral intravenous catheters in children up to April 5, 2023. The quality of included RCTs was evaluated using the risk of bias tool of Cochrane library. RevMan5.3 software was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Ten RCTs with a total of 1255 children were involved. Meta-analysis indicated that heparin lock reduced the incidence of blockage of peripheral intravenous catheter [OR = 2.01, 95% CI (1.42,2.84), p < 0.001], prolonged the duration of peripheral intravenous catheter indwelling[MD = -0.43, 95% CI (-0.75, -0.11), p = 0.008]. There were no statistical differences in the incidence of phlebitis [OR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.59, 1.74), p = 0.95 W].

PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Heparin may have more benefits in the nursing care of peripheral intravenous catheters compared with normal saline.

Factors Influencing the Success of Peripheral Venous Access in Neonates

PURPOSE

In neonatal units, the use of peripheral venous catheters is a commonly used technique involving risks and local complications. Catheter duration and viability is limited and may involve multiple insertion attempts. Catheterization was considered successful when there were no local complications and the catheter was removed owing to completion of treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the optimal location and instruments to reduce the number of catheter insertion attempts and to increase time without complications.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was undertaken to analyze all the catheters inserted in the neonatal intermediate care unit of Vinalopó University Hospital (Elche, Spain). Between 2013 and 2017 the following variables were collected: sex, age, gestational age, and venipuncture site, as well as catheter type, number of insertion attempts, duration and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 929 catheters were analyzed with a mean duration of 46.5 ± 33.9 h, and were removed upon completion of treatment (success 38.3%). The preferred site was the dorsal hand (48.2%) followed by the cubital fossa (20.1%). In both sites the success of the catheter and its duration was higher than the mean (42.4%; 43.9% and 49.4 ± 35.7; 50.3 ± 33.4 h respectively). The most frequent complications were extravasation (47.0%) and phlebitis (5.9%). Just one attempt was needed for 63.8% of cannulations of the dorsal hand, followed by 38.9% in the forearm. No significant differences were found in fixation type, sex, weight, gestational age or infusion type (continuous/intermittent).

CONCLUSIONS

The success of the technique is low. The preferred insertion sites with fewer complications, longer duration and fewer attempts were the dorsal hand and cubital fossa. With fewer attempts required for cannulation, better results were achieved on the dorsal hand.

Lack of difference between continuous versus intermittent heparin infusion on maintenance of intra-arterial catheter in postoperative pediatric surgery: a randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE:

To compare two systems of arterial catheters maintenance in postoperative pediatric surgery using intermittent or continuous infusion of heparin solution and to analyze adverse events related to the site of catheter insertion and the volume of infused heparin solution.

METHODS:

Randomized control trial with 140 patients selected for continuous infusion group (CIG) and intermittent infusion group (IIG). The variables analyzed were: type of heart disease, permanence time and size of the catheter, insertion site, technique used, volume of heparin solution and adverse events. The descriptive variables were analyzed by Student's t-test and the categorical variables, by chi-square test, being significant p<0.05.

RESULTS:

The median age was 11 (0-22) months, and 77 (55%) were females. No significant differences between studied variables were found, except for the volume used in CIG (12.0±1.2mL/24 hours) when compared to IIG (5.3±3.5mL/24 hours) with p<0.0003.

CONCLUSIONS:

The continuous infusion system and the intermittent infusion of heparin solution can be used for intra-arterial catheters maintenance in postoperative pediatric surgery, regardless of patient's clinical and demographic characteristics. Adverse events up to the third postoperative day occurred similarly in both groups. However, the intermittent infusion system usage in underweight children should be considered, due to the lower volume of infused heparin solution [ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01097031].

Heparin for prolonging peripheral intravenous catheter use in neonates

BACKGROUND

Peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters are widely used in modern medical practice. However, mechanical or infectious complications often necessitate their removal and/or replacement. Heparin has been shown to be effective in prolonging the patency of peripheral arterial catheters and central venous catheters, but may result in life threatening complications, especially in preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to determine the effectiveness of heparin versus placebo or no treatment on duration of PIV catheter patency, defined as number of hours of catheter use. The secondary objectives were to assess the effects of heparin on catheter blockage, phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, catheter related sepsis, and complications including abnormality of coagulation profile, allergic reactions to heparin, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, intraventricular/intracranial hemorrhage and mortality.

SEARCH STRATEGY

A literature search was performed using the following databases: MEDLINE (1966-February 2005), EMBASE (1980-February 2005), CINAHL (1982-February 2005), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2005), and abstracts from the annual meetings of the Society for Pediatric Research, American Pediatric Society and Pediatric Academic Societies published in Pediatric Research (1991-2004). No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized or quasi-randomized trials of heparin administered as flush or infusion versus placebo or no treatment were included. Studies which included a neonatal population and reported on at least one of the outcomes were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using criteria for blinding of randomization, blinding of intervention, completeness of follow-up and blinding of outcome assessment. Data on relevant outcomes were extracted and the effect size was estimated by calculating WMD (weighted mean difference, 95%CI), RR (relative risk, 95% CI) and RD (risk difference, 95% CI).

MAIN RESULTS

Ten eligible studies were identified. Heparin was administered either as a flush solution, or as an additive to the total parenteral nutrition solution. Five studies reported data on the duration of use of the first catheter. Two of these studies found no statistically significant effect of heparin; two studies showed a statistically significant increase and one study showed a statistically significant decrease in the duration of PIV catheter use in the heparin group. The results were not combined for meta-analysis due to significant heterogeneity of the treatment effect (p < 0.01). In addition, there were marked differences between the studies in terms of the methodological quality, the dose, the timing, the route of administration of heparin and the outcomes reported. From a limited number of studies, there were no significant differences between the heparin and the placebo/no treatment groups in the risks of infiltration, phlebitis and intracranial hemorrhage.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The effect of heparin on the duration of peripheral intravenous catheter use varied across the studies. Because of clinical heterogeneity and heterogeneity in treatment effect, recommendations for heparin use in neonates with PIV catheters cannot be made.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH

There are insufficient data concerning the effect of heparin for prolonging PIV catheter use in neonates. Further research on the effectiveness, the optimal dose, and the safety of heparin is required.

Clinical measures to preserve cerebral integrity in preterm infants

Impaired psychomotor development, often anteceded by major intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, constitutes the most important long-term morbidity of very preterm infants. We reviewed randomized controlled trials aimed at reducing the incidence of brain damage, as detected by ultrasound, or neurodevelopmental impairment during follow-up of preterm infants. Preliminary reports of reduced rates of intraventricular hemorrhage obtained with administration of fresh frozen plasma, ethamsylate, phenobarbitone, or morphine have not been confirmed in subsequent larger trials. Early administration of indomethacin may reduce intraventricular hemorrhage without affecting long-term outcome. Pancuronium, inositol, and vitamin E decreased intraventricular hemorrhage rates but later psychomotor development was not examined. Thyroxin supplementation failed to improve neurodevelopmental outcome while protein enrichment of formula and individualized developmental care appear to be beneficial. The largest reductions in cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental impairment were achieved by avoidance of postnatal steroids. This finding emphasizes the need to include these late endpoints in any randomized trial involving preterm infants.