title: [Administration of low-dose heparin in total nutrient admixture prevents central venous catheter-related infections in neonates].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: Xi-Hong
authors.initials: XH
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Hua
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Xiong
authors.forename: De-Zhi
authors.initials: DZ
authors.lastname: Mu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D006493:Heparin