Ductus venosus closure results in transient portal hypertension--is this the silent trigger for necrotizing enterocolitis?

The neonatal DAV-expert algorithm: a GAVeCeLT/GAVePed consensus for the choice of the most appropriate venous access in newborns

In most NICUs, the choice of the venous access device currently relies upon the operator's experience and preferences. However, considering the high failure rate of vascular devices in the neonatal population, such clinical choice has a critical relevance and should preferably be based on the best available evidence. Though some algorithms have been published over the last 5 years, none of them seems in line with the current scientific evidence. Thus, the GAVePed-which is the pediatric interest group of the most important Italian group on venous access, GAVeCeLT-has developed a national consensus about the choice of the venous access device in the neonatal population. After a systematic review of the available evidence, the panel of the consensus (which included Italian neonatologists specifically experts in this area) has provided structured recommendations answering four sets of questions regarding (1) umbilical venous catheters, (2) peripheral cannulas, (3) epicutaneo-cava catheters, and (4) ultrasound-guided centrally and femorally inserted central catheters. Only statements reaching a complete agreement were included in the final recommendations. All recommendations were also structured as a simple visual algorithm, so as to be easily translated into clinical practice.  Conclusion: The goal of the present consensus is to offer a systematic set of recommendations on the choice of the most appropriate vascular access device in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Incidence of umbilical vein catheter-associated thrombosis of the portal system: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) in the perinatal period may be associated with severe complications, including the occurrence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT).

AIM

To assess the incidence of UVC-related PVT in infants with postnatal age up to three months.

METHODS

A systematic and comprehensive database searching (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science) was performed for studies from 1980 to 2020 (the search was last updated on November 28, 2020). We included in the final analyses all peer-reviewed prospective cohort studies, retrospective cohort studies and case-control studies. The reference lists of included articles were hand-searched to identify additional studies of interest. Studies were considered eligible when they included infants with postnatal age up to three months with UVC-associated PVT. Incidence estimates were pooled by using random effects meta-analyses. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. The systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

Overall, 16 studies were considered eligible and included in the final analyses. The data confirmed the relevant risk of UVC-related thrombosis. The mean pooled incidence of such condition was 12%, although it varied across studies (0%-49%). In 15/16 studies (94%), diagnosis of thrombosis was made accidentally during routine screening controls, whilst in 1/16 study (6%) targeted imaging assessments were carried out in neonates with clinical concerns for a thrombus. Tip position was investigated by abdominal ultrasound (US) alone in 1/16 (6%) studies, by a combination of radiography and abdominal US in 14/16 (88%) studies and by a combination of radiography, abdominal US and echocardiography in 1/16 (6%) studies.

CONCLUSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review specifically investigating the incidence of UVC-related PVT. The use of UVCs requires a high index of suspicion, because its use is significantly associated with PVT. Well-designed prospective studies are required to assess the optimal approach to prevent UVC-related thrombosis of the portal system.

Umbilical Venous Catheter Update: A Narrative Review Including Ultrasound and Training

The umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is one of the most commonly used central lines in neonates. It can be easily inserted soon after birth providing stable intravenous access in infants requiring advanced resuscitation in the delivery room or needing medications, fluids, and parenteral nutrition during the 1st days of life. Resident training is crucial for UVC placement. The use of simulators allows trainees to gain practical experience and confidence in performing the procedure without risks for patients. UVCs are easy to insert, however when the procedure is performed without the use of ultrasound, there is a quite high risk, up to 40%, of non-central position. Ultrasound-guided UVC tip location is a simple and learnable technique and therefore should be widespread among all physicians. The feasibility of targeted training on the use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for UVC placement in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) among neonatal medical staff has been demonstrated. Conversely, UVC-related complications are very common and can sometimes be life-threatening. Despite UVCs being used by neonatologists for over 60 years, there are still no standard guidelines for assessment or monitoring of tip location, securement, management, or dwell time. This review article is an overview of the current knowledge and evidence available in the literature about UVCs. Our aim is to provide precise and updated recommendations on the use of this central line.

Umbilical Venous Catheter Malposition Is Associated with Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Premature Infants

OBJECTIVE

The etiology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains elusive despite known associations with several factors, including intestinal ischemia related to the effects of umbilical arterial catheterization on the mesenteric circulation. However, the role of the mesenteric venous circulation has yet to be studied as a potential cause of NEC. We examined the association between umbilical venous catheter (UVC) position and the development of NEC in premature infants.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study was performed to examine the effect of UVC on portosystemic shunting via the ductus venosus (DV) and its potential role in NEC.

RESULTS

We recruited 132 premature infants, 62 of which had a birth weight ≤1,500 g. NEC was noted in 12 (19%) patients. All infants weighing ≤1,500 g underwent an attempt at UVC insertion. The UVC status was classified as appropriate (n = 39), unsuccessful (n = 9), or malpositioned (n = 14). Among the NEC patients, 7 (58%) had a UVC malposition and 3 (25%) had an unsuccessful attempt. These rates were significantly higher than in patients without NEC (14 and 12%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed birth weight (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.7, p = 0.001) and UVC malpositioning (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.6-35.4, p = 0.007) as independent risk factors associated with NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Unrecognized withdrawal of a UVC into the portal vein or DV is associated with an increased incidence of NEC in infants weighing ≤1,500 g. The data support the need for additional studies to examine this effect. Confirmation of a causal relationship will raise the need to reassess UVC insertion criteria and strategies for more closely monitoring the catheter tip position.