Vascular catheter-related complications in newborns

Abstract

Babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit have more frequent invasive procedures such as heel prick samples for gases, bilirubin levels or if ventilated suction down the endotracheal tube is more frequent and still invasive. Central and peripheral vascular catheters are essential to serve many important functions for sick neonates. However, there is growing recognition of potential risks, such as infection, thrombosis, vasospasm, phlebitis, infiltration and so on, associated with their use. Based on current evidence, this paper reviews the common complications of vascular catheters and their corresponding preventive or treatment approaches in newborns.