Double lumen umbilical venous catheters in critically ill neonates: a randomized prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare relative efficacies and complications associated with the use of double lumen vs. single lumen umbilical venous catheters in critically ill neonates.


METHODS
Prospective randomized control trial.


METHODS
Neonatal ICU.


METHODS
Forty-three critically ill neonates.


METHODS
Group 1 patients (n = 20) received single lumen umbilical venous catheters and group 2 patients (n = 23) received double lumen catheters. A record of the following information was kept: demographic data including diagnosis and indication for umbilical venous catheter insertion, catheter tip location, length of catheterization (days), number of additional iv catheters and complications (sepsis, hepatic necrosis, thrombosis, or mechanical complications).


RESULTS
Double lumen umbilical venous catheters were well tolerated and were associated with no significant increased risk of mechanical complications when compared with single lumen umbilical venous catheters. The number of additional iv catheters required (0.8 +/- 0.1 [SD]) was significantly (p less than .05) less in the double lumen umbilical venous catheter group as compared with additional iv catheters required (2.3 +/- 0.8) in the single lumen umbilical venous catheter group.


CONCLUSIONS
Double lumen umbilical venous catheters are well tolerated for short-term use, decrease the need for additional venous catheters in critically ill neonates, and may not significantly increase the risk of mechanical complications when compared with single lumen umbilical venous catheters.
Khilnani
P
P
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Henrico Doctors' Hospital, Richmond, VA 23229.
Goldstein
B
B
Todres
I D
ID
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014471:Umbilical Veins