Migration of Umbilical Venous Catheters

Migration of umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) after initial correct position has been described. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of malposition of the tip of the UVCs at 24 to 36 hours postinsertion.

Retrospective analysis of all neonates who had UVC placement in a 14-month period. The primary outcome was the rate of UVCs incorrectly positioned 24 to 36 hours after initial correct placement, defined as the UVC tip below or more than 5 mm above the level of the right diaphragm on a thoracoabdominal X-ray.

We included 86 neonates with a median (range) birth weight of 1,617 (535-5,000) grams, and gestational age of 31 (24-42) weeks. Of the 80 UVCs that were further analyzed, only in 38 (48%) of 80 patients, the tip of the UVC still had a correct position 24 to 36 hours after initial placement. In 22 (28%) of 80 patients, the UVCs had a position that was too high and in 20 (25%) that was too low.

More than half of UVCs migrated at 24 to 36 hours postinsertion to positions known to have higher complication rates. We, therefore, recommend follow-up evaluation at 24 to 36 hours postinsertion, to prevent complications from malposition.