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Randomized trial of percutaneous central venous lines versus peripheral intravenous lines

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Abstract

Objective:

To compare the occurrence of systemic infection or death in preterm infants with elective percutaneous central line (PCVL) placement versus peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) placement.

Study design:

A total of 96 infants ⩽1250 g or ⩽30 weeks gestation were randomized by 4 days of age to elective placement of a PCVL or continued use of PIV catheters. The primary outcome of systemic infection (defined as a positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture treated for at least 5 days) or death was monitored until the infants did not require intravenous (iv) support for 7 consecutive days.

Results:

Systemic infection or death occurred in 17/46 (39%) infants in the PCVL group and 14/50 (28%) in the PIV group (relative risk (RR)=1.32 with 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70, 2.53; risk difference (RD)=0.09 with 95% CI −0.10, 0.28). The PCVL group had significantly fewer skin punctures for iv access.

Conclusion:

There was no significant difference in systemic infection or death (expressed either as a combined outcome or as separate component outcomes) between the groups. The number of skin punctures was significantly reduced in the PCVL group.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the physicians, staff, Neonatal Transport Team members and parents for their help and support during this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

    D Wilson

  2. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    M T Verklan

  3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, USA

    K A Kennedy

Authors
  1. D Wilson
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  2. M T Verklan
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  3. K A Kennedy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to K A Kennedy.

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Wilson, D., Verklan, M. & Kennedy, K. Randomized trial of percutaneous central venous lines versus peripheral intravenous lines. J Perinatol 27, 92–96 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211650

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211650

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