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Effects of low-dose heparin on failure of intravenous infusions in children
A Wright1, J Hecker, G McDonald
1School of Nursing, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia.
Insights
Adding low-dose heparin to dextrose-saline solutions significantly extended the duration of peripheral intravenous (IV) catheter use in children. This intervention reduced infusion site failures, improving venous access management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric critical care
- Vascular access management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Peripheral intravenous (IV) catheters are crucial for administering fluids and medications to children.
- Infusion site failure due to phlebitis or extravasation can lead to complications and prolonged hospital stays.
- Optimizing the longevity of IV sites is essential for effective pediatric patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a commercial dextrose-saline solution containing low-dose heparin (1 IU/ml) in prolonging the functional duration of peripheral IV infusion sites in pediatric patients.
- To assess the impact of heparinized solutions on infusion site complications such as phlebitis and extravasation.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving eighty pediatric patients admitted to a medical ward.
- Infusion site duration was meticulously recorded in hours until failure, defined by phlebitis or extravasation.
- Univariate survival analysis was employed to compare the time to failure between heparinized and control solutions.
Main Results:
- The median duration of infusion site use was significantly longer in the group receiving solutions with heparin (97 hours) compared to the control group (43 hours).
- The addition of low-dose heparin demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in infusion site failures (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- The study recommends the use of dextrose-saline solutions with low-dose heparin for pediatric patients experiencing challenges with maintaining venous access.
- Heparinized IV solutions represent a promising strategy to improve the reliability and reduce complications associated with peripheral IV catheters in children.
Objective:
To determine if a dextrose-saline solution manufactured under commercial conditions and containing 1 IU per ml of heparin prolongs the use of infusion sites in children.
Design:
Double-blind randomized trial.
Patients:
Eighty children in a medical ward.
Outcome Measures:
Failure of infusion sites from phlebitis and/or extravasation.
Intervention:
Duration of use of infusion sites was calculated to the nearest hour.
Statistics:
Univariate survival analysis.
Results:
The median time to failure when solutions contained the heparin (97 hours) was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared with control solutions (43 hours).
Conclusions:
Use of solutions containing low-dose heparin is recommended for children who might have problems with venous access.