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Double lumen umbilical venous catheters in critically ill neonates: a randomized prospective study
P Khilnani1, B Goldstein, I D Todres
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Henrico Doctors' Hospital, Richmond, VA 23229.
Critical Care Medicine
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Double lumen umbilical venous catheters are well tolerated in critically ill neonates, reducing the need for additional IVs without significantly increasing mechanical complications compared to single lumen catheters.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Critical Care
- Vascular Access Devices
Background:
- Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are crucial for administering medications and fluids to critically ill neonates.
- The choice between single lumen (SL-UVC) and double lumen (DL-UVC) catheters involves balancing efficacy and complication risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and complication rates of DL-UVCs versus SL-UVCs in critically ill neonates.
- To assess the impact of DL-UVCs on the requirement for additional intravenous (IV) access.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Forty-three critically ill neonates were randomized to receive either SL-UVCs (n=20) or DL-UVCs (n=23).
- Data collected included demographics, catheter tip location, duration of catheterization, number of additional IV catheters needed, and complications.
Main Results:
- DL-UVCs were well tolerated and did not significantly increase mechanical complications compared to SL-UVCs.
- The number of additional IV catheters required was significantly lower in the DL-UVC group (0.8) versus the SL-UVC group (2.3) (p < .05).
Conclusions:
- DL-UVCs are a safe and effective option for short-term use in critically ill neonates.
- Utilizing DL-UVCs can decrease the need for multiple venous catheters, potentially simplifying patient management.
- DL-UVCs appear to have a comparable risk profile for mechanical complications to SL-UVCs.