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[PICC: central venous access by the peripheral route. Medical-nursing aspects]

F Del Prato1, A Di Matteo, F Messina

  • 1Fondazione Evangelica Betania, Napoli, Italy.

Minerva Pediatrica
|November 25, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) offer a safe and stable vascular access for preterm infants, particularly extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates. This method ensures optimal nutrition and reduces complications in the NICU setting.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Vascular Access
  • Pediatric Nursing

Background:

  • Vascular access is critical for life-saving interventions in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
  • Umbilical catheters are the initial choice for newborns but are suitable for short-term use.
  • Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants require stable, long-term vascular access for parenteral nutrition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the nursing aspects of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in preterm infants.
  • To assess the safety and efficacy of PICCs for nutritional support in VLBW and ELBW neonates.
  • To analyze data on PICC insertion and management in a NICU population.

Main Methods:

  • Review of medical nursing aspects including catheter selection, cannulation, and dressing techniques.
  • Analysis of complication prevention and management strategies for PICCs.
  • Retrospective data collection on 212 preterm infants (<1500g or <30 weeks gestational age) from 2006-2009.

Main Results:

  • PICC insertion provides a stable vascular route for high osmolarity solutions and parenteral nutrition.
  • This method supports Minimal Enteral Feeding (MEF) optimization and caloric intake.
  • Data from 212 preterm infants demonstrate the practical application and outcomes of PICC use.

Conclusions:

  • PICCs are a safe and effective vascular access method for preterm infants requiring long-term nutritional support.
  • Proper management and nursing care are essential for preventing PICC-related complications.
  • PICC utilization in ELBW infants contributes to improved survival and outcomes in the NICU.

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