Peripherally inserted central catheters in infants and children

J Dubois1, L Garel, B Tapiero

  • 1Department of Radiology, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Radiology
|September 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Peripheral insertion of central catheters is a feasible and safe procedure in pediatric patients, offering mid- and long-term benefits with a low complication rate. This method is well-tolerated in infants and children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Vascular Access
  • Interventional Radiology

Background:

  • Central venous catheters are essential for various pediatric treatments.
  • Peripheral insertion offers a less invasive alternative to traditional central venous access.
  • Evaluating the safety and efficacy of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in pediatric populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To prospectively assess the feasibility of peripheral insertion of central catheters in infants and children.
  • To determine the complication rates associated with PICCs in pediatric patients.
  • To evaluate the mid- and long-term advantages of using PICCs in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 183 pediatric patients (285 catheter placement attempts) over 15 months.
  • Phlebographic guidance was utilized, with 99% of catheters inserted below the elbow.
  • Indications included prolonged antibiotic therapy, hematologic/oncologic care, total parenteral nutrition, and fluid/blood access.

Main Results:

  • High success rates were observed: 96% in outpatients, 98% in hospitalized patients, and 96% in infants under 1 year.
  • The primary complications were infection (6%) and catheter occlusion (8%).
  • Pericatheter venous thrombosis was rare (0.3%).

Conclusions:

  • Peripheral insertion of central catheters is a highly feasible technique in pediatric patients.
  • PICCs are well-tolerated in infants and children, demonstrating a low frequency of complications.
  • This approach offers significant benefits for various pediatric medical needs.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition01:27

Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition

Parenteral Nutrition (PN) delivers essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. It is commonly used for individuals with severe digestive disorders or conditions that prevent normal nutrient absorption.
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...
Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route01:29

Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route

The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview01:28

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...