Application of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter for Parenteral Nutrition in Critically Ill Neonates

【Abstract】 Objective To apply peripherally inserted central catheter （PICC） in critically ill neonates who require long-term parenteral nutrition. Methods A retrospective review of 98 critically ill neonates who had a PICC inserted and received long-term parenteral nutrition from March to December 2011 was performed. Results The PICC insertion succeeded in 74.5% (73/98) of the cases at the first attempt. The catheter remained for an average of (19.7±2.0) days. Of the 98 cases, 92 underwent planned extubation after enteral nutrition was fully established; 10 developed complications within the follow-up period of 956 days. The PICC-associated complications occurred at a rate of 10.5 per 1000 catheter-days, including infection (n=0), phlebitis (n=1), accidental dislodgement (n=3), catheter occlusion (n=3), and hemorrhage in puncture point (n=3). Conclusion PICC can be used as a safe venous access for critically ill neonates for long-term parenteral nutrition. PICC-associated complications can be reduced through improving nursing skills, especially for catheter-related infection.