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Complications in Tunneled CVL Versus PICC Lines in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 21, pages 525–530 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:Comparison of complications associated with tunneled central venous lines (TCVLs) versus peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in infants <1500 g.

STUDY DESIGN:A retrospective cohort study at a university medical center. A total of 96 catheters were placed in 60 infants between 4/94 and 3/99. A retrospective review of these infants' medical record was done to review associated complications of catheter placement.

RESULTS:Both groups had similar weights and gestational ages. The duration of catheterization was 28 days in TCVLs and 11 days in PICCs (p<0.05). Total, infectious, and mechanical complications between the two groups were similar. Survival function estimates showed no difference between the two groups up to the 15th day of catheterization.

CONCLUSION:There is no difference in efficacy or associated complications between the two groups. If one could anticipate needing a catheter longer than 15 days, then a TCVL might be the better choice.

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Acknowledgements

We thank D.K. Richardson, MD, for his generosity in allowing us to use the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II (SNAP II) in our study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA

    Roy Foo MFA

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA

    Alan Fujii MD & Jo-Ann Harris MD

  3. Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA

    Wayne LaMorte MD, PhD, MPH & Steve Moulton MD

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  1. Roy Foo MFA
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  2. Alan Fujii MD
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  5. Steve Moulton MD
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Foo, R., Fujii, A., Harris, JA. et al. Complications in Tunneled CVL Versus PICC Lines in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. J Perinatol 21, 525–530 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7210562

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