Complications related to the type of epicutaneous catheter in a cohort of neonates

Abstract

Aims: To analyze the relationship between the type of epicutaneous catheter installed and the time until the occurrence of complications that motivate early removal of the device. Method: Prospective cohort study conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit of a private hospital in the city of São Paulo, in the period July 1st 2010 to June 30th 2011. The cohort consisted of neonates undergoing the installation of polyurethane double-lumen or silicone single-lumen epicutaneous catheter. Results and discussion: We analyzed 270 catheters. There was no association between the type of epicutaneous catheter and time until the occurrence of complications (p=0,45). The polyurethane double-lumen catheter presented higher average time of catheter permanence (p≤0,01). Conclusion: Both types of epicutaneous catheters have enabled intravenous infusion over 10 days and showed no major complications.