Limb splinting for intravenous cannulae in neonates: a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula site joint immobilisation by splint application on functional duration of peripheral IV cannula in neonates.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Neonates requiring continuous IV infusion for an expected duration of more than or equal to 72 hours.


METHODS
Eligible cannulations were randomised to either "splint" or "no-splint" group. In the splint group, a cardboard splint was used to immobilise the joint at peripheral IV cannula site. No attempt was made to immobilise the limb in the no-splint group.


METHODS
Functional duration of a peripheral IV cannula measured as interval from time of insertion to the development of predefined sign of removal (extravasation, blockage, inflammation).


RESULTS
A total of 69 peripheral IV cannulations in 54 neonates were randomised to either the splint (n = 33) or no-splint group (n = 36). Both groups were comparable in birth weight, gestation, site of cannulation and nature of fluids administered. Mean functional duration of cannula was lesser in the splint group compared to the no-splint group (h; 23.5 (SD15.9) vs 26.9 (SD15.5), mean difference: -3.3 h, 95% CI -11.02 to 4.3 h) although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.38). Extravasation at cannula site was found be the commonest indication for cannula removal in both the groups (84% vs 76.5%).


CONCLUSIONS
Joint immobilisation with splint at cannula site did not improve the functional duration of peripheral IV cannula.
WHO Collaborating Centre for Newborn Care and Research, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-110029, India.
S S
SS
Dalal
D
D
Chawla
J
J
Singh
R K
RK
Agarwal
A K
AK
Deorari
V K
VK
Paul
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007596:Joints; D012149:Restraint, Physical; D013165:Splints; D016896:Treatment Outcome