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Published on: July 13, 2019
Comparison of complications in midlines versus central venous catheters: Are midlines safer than central venous
Ammara Mushtaq1, Bhagyashri Navalkele1, Maninder Kaur2
1Department of Medicine, Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Background:
With the rising use of midline catheters (MCs), validation of their safety is essential. Our study aimed to evaluate the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and other complications related to the use of MCs and central venous catheters (CVCs).
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary care hospital in Detroit, Michigan, from March-September 2016. Adult patients with either MC or CVC were included. Outcomes assessed were catheter-related BSI (CRBSI), mechanical complications, hospital length of stay, readmission within 90 days of discharge (RA), and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software.
Results:
A total of 411 patients with MC and 282 patients with CVC were analyzed. More CRBSIs were seen in patients with CVC (10/282) than MC (1/411) (3.5% vs 0.2%, respectively; P = .0008). More mechanical complications were seen in patients with MC (2.6%) than CVC (0.3%; P = .03). Patients with CVC had a higher crude mortality (17.3% vs 5.3%; P < .0001), RA (58% vs 35%; P ≤ .0001), line-related RA (2.8% vs 0.2%; P = .0041), and transfer to intensive care unit after line placement (9% vs 5%; P = .01). CVC was a significant exposure for a composite of mortality, CRBSI, mechanical issues, thrombosis, and readmission because of a line-related complication (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-5.8).
Conclusions:
Our findings show use of MC is safer than CVC, but larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Insights
Midline catheters (MCs) demonstrate improved safety over central venous catheters (CVCs), with significantly fewer bloodstream infections. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings on catheter safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Rising utilization of midline catheters (MCs) necessitates safety validation.
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are associated with various complications.
- Comparative safety data between MCs and CVCs is crucial for clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and other complications between MCs and CVCs.
- To assess the safety profile of MCs in relation to CVCs.
- To provide evidence for optimal vascular access device selection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care hospital.
- Inclusion of adult patients with either MC or CVC from March to September 2016.
- Assessment of outcomes including catheter-related BSI (CRBSI), mechanical complications, length of stay, readmission, and mortality.
Main Results:
- MC use was associated with a significantly lower rate of CRBSI (0.2% vs 3.5% for CVCs; P=.0008).
- CVCs showed higher rates of mortality (17.3% vs 5.3%), readmission (58% vs 35%), and ICU transfer.
- Mechanical complications were more frequent with MCs (2.6% vs 0.3% for CVCs; P=.03).
Conclusions:
- Midline catheters appear to be a safer alternative to central venous catheters regarding bloodstream infections.
- Central venous catheters are associated with a higher composite risk of adverse outcomes.
- Larger-scale studies are warranted to definitively confirm the safety and efficacy of midline catheters.
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