title: The use of in-line intravenous filters in sick newborn infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assesses the improvement in outcome for newborn infants by decreasing major complications associated with intravenous fluid therapy by using an in-line filter, and evaluates the economical impact this might have in relation to daily changing of i.v. lines.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective controlled study, 88 infants were randomly assigned to receive either filtered (except for lipids, blood and blood products) or non-filtered infusions via a central catheter. Main outcome measures such as bacteraemia, phlebitis, extravasation, thrombosis, septicaemia and necrosis were all scored. The costs attributable to patients during a standard 8-day stay were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant reductions were found in major complications such as thrombi and clinical sepsis (control group (21), filter group (8); p < 0.05). Bacterial cultures of the filters showed a contamination rate on the upstream surface of 15/109 filters (14%). The mean costs of disposables were less in the filter group, showing a reduction from 31.17 euros to 23.79 euros.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of this in-line filter leads to a significant decrease in major complications and substantial cost savings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics Princess Amalia, Isala Clinics, Zwolle, The Netherlands. r.a.van.lingen@isala.nl
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: van Lingen
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Baerts
authors.forename: A C M
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Marquering
authors.forename: G J H M
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Ruijs
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000191:economics; D005791:Patient Care / Q000191:economics; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy