[Administration of low-dose heparin in total nutrient admixture prevents central venous catheter-related infections in neonates].
OBJECTIVE
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is widely used to provide a long-term access for the administration of total parenteral nutrition and medications. Catheter-related infections (CRI) are common complications of PICC. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the role of low-dose heparin added to the total nutrient admixture (CTNA) in the prevention of CRI.


METHODS
Eighty-three neonates who underwent PICC received TNA with (heparin group, n=43) or without heparin (0.5 U/mL) (control group, n=40). The incidence of CRI was compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
The incidences of catheter obstruction (5% vs 20%) and the catheter-tip colonization (2% vs 18%) in the heparin group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p<0.05). None of the neonates in the heparin group had clinical evidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection, but 5 cases in the control group (p<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The administration of low-dose heparin in TNA may decrease the incidences of catheter obstruction and CRI.
Tang
Jun
J
Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Li
Xi-Hong
XH
Wang
Hua
H
Xiong
Ying
Y
Mu
De-Zhi
DZ
D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D006493:Heparin