title: Effects of low-dose heparin on failure of intravenous infusions in children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine if a dextrose-saline solution manufactured under commercial conditions and containing 1 IU per ml of heparin prolongs the use of infusion sites in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Double-blind randomized trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty children in a medical ward.
  
  
  METHODS
  Failure of infusion sites from phlebitis and/or extravasation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Duration of use of infusion sites was calculated to the nearest hour.
  
  
  METHODS
  Univariate survival analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median time to failure when solutions contained the heparin (97 hours) was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared with control solutions (43 hours).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Use of solutions containing low-dose heparin is recommended for children who might have problems with venous access.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hecker
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McDonald
mesh_terms: D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D016019:Survival Analysis; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin