Peripheral long lines in cystic fibrosis

Area of Science:

• Medical device evaluation
• Clinical outcomes research
• Pediatric infectious diseases

Background:

• Peripheral long lines offer improved cannula survival for patients requiring multiple intravenous (i.v.) antibiotic courses.
• These devices facilitate a more normal and mobile lifestyle for patients.
• Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients often require prolonged i.v. antibiotic therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of neonatal silastic long lines (Epicutaneo-cava-catheter) and Landmark catheters for i.v. antibiotic administration in CF patients.
• To evaluate cannula survival time and incidence of phlebitis for both catheter types.
• To determine patient preference between the two types of long lines.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection over 18 months on neonatal silastic long lines and Landmark catheters.
• Comparison of cannula survival times against conventional short cannulae.
• Assessment of phlebitis rates and patient preference for each catheter type.

Main Results:

• Both neonatal silastic long lines and Landmark catheters demonstrated cannula survival times that were the same and longer than conventional short cannulae.
• Patient preference favored the neonatal line.
• A trend towards increased phlebitis was observed with the Landmark catheter.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal silastic long lines are suitable for long-term i.v. antibiotic administration in cystic fibrosis patients.
• The neonatal line offers comparable cannula survival to the Landmark catheter with a lower incidence of phlebitis.
• Neonatal silastic long lines were selected for routine use in CF patients based on performance and patient preference.