Use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) via scalp veins in neonates

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to describe the use and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) via scalp veins in neonates.

Methods: A retrospective review of neonates who had PICCs inserted, between January 2010 and June 2013, in the NICU at Children's and Women's Health Center of British Columbia.

Results: During the study period, 689 PICCs were inserted over a total of 46 728 NICU patient days. The PICC insertion sites were scalp veins (69), upper limb veins (471), and lower limb veins (149). The mean catheter durations were 17 d, 19 d, and 18 d for PICCs inserted through scalp, upper limb, and lower limb veins, respectively. The complication rates were 23%, 23%, and 15% for insertion via scalp, upper, and lower limb veins, respectively. Centrally placed PICCs at the time of insertion were more likely to remain in situ for longer than one week (p < 0.001). The incidence of central line-associated blood stream infection was 4.4, 6.4, and 3.4 per 1000 catheter days, respectively, for scalp, upper, and lower limb PICCs.

Conclusions: Insertion of PICC via the scalp veins are feasible and not associated with higher complication rates compared with insertions via other sites.

Keywords: Neonate; peripherally inserted central catheter; scalp vein; venous access.