title: Fine bore silicone rubber and polyurethane catheters for the delivery of complete intravenous nutrition via a peripheral vein.
abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate two fine bore catheters for the delivery of complete intravenous nutrition (IVN), of osmolality 1250 mosm/kg, via a peripheral vein. 50 patients were randomised to receive either a 23G silicone rubber catheter or 22G polyurethane catheter. The median duration of feeding was 9 days for silicone rubber catheters and 10 days for polyurethane catheters. Silicone rubber catheters developed complications significantly more frequently (44%) than polyurethane catheters (22%, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the median life span of the catheters removed because of complications, nor in the daily risk of thrombophlebitis. 92% of patients who were fed through a polyurethane catheter required only a single catheter for the duration of IVN. The peripheral venous route should be the first choice when the administration of IVN is considered for a period of less than 2 weeks.
authors.affiliation: Nutritional Support Service and Academic Unit of Surgery, The General Infirmary, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Everitt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Madan
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McMahon