These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.
Pubmed for Handhelds
PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS
Search MEDLINE/PubMed
Title: [Percutaneous Silastic catheters in newborn and premature infants. A report of experiences with 497 catheters in 5 years]. Author: Harms K, Herting E, Krüger T, Compagnone D, Speer CP. Journal: Monatsschr Kinderheilkd; 1992 Aug; 140(8):464-71. PubMed ID: 1435805. Abstract: BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Central catheters are an important prerequisite for adequate parenteral nutrition in preterm infants. However, a variety of complications have been shown to be associated with central lines: septicemica, thrombotic complications, mechanical complications. In this retrospective analysis we summarize our recent experience with central silastic catheters. RESULTS: Within a five-year-period (1986-1990). 497 silastic-catheters were inserted in 366 high risk neonates (mean birthweight 1360 g; 1060-1740 g, 25.-75. percentile) treated at the NICU, Department of Pediatrics, University of Göttingen. 451 catheters which were placed in a central position, were removed after an average duration of 11 days (mean; 8-18 days, 25.-75. percentile). During the observation period, 62.8 percent of the catheters were purposely removed. Making use of the Kaplan-Meier-curve, we calculated how long the catheter could stay without complications; 50% of all catheters could be expected to be in place for 25 days. The incidence of septicemia was 1.9%, bacterial contamination of the catheters was evident in 22% of all central lines. The most predominant microorganisms responsible for catheter-contamination were coagulase-negative staphylococci. In addition, catheters were removed because of signs of phlebitis or suspected thrombotic complications (11.1%), and mechanical complications (dislocation, occlusion; 11.7%). Due to malposition of the central catheter two preterm infants developed pericardial effusions. There was no correlation between the site where the catheter was inserted and these complications. CONCLUSION: Central silastic catheters wherever clinically indicated are a valuable adjunct in the parenteral nutrition on high risk neonates.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]