Complications in tunneled CVL versus PICC lines in very low birth weight infants.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of complications associated with tunneled central venous lines (TCVLs) versus peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in infants <1500 g.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Foo
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Boston University School of Medicine, One Boston Medical Center Place, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Fujii
A
A
Harris
J A
JA
LaMorte
W
W
Moulton
S
S
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies