The journal of vascular access
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Peripheral intravenous cannulation: complication rates in the neonatal population: a multicenter observational study.
Neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) rely highly on intravenous (IV) therapy, for which the peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) is the preferred device to allow such therapies to proceed. Placement of a PIVC is a painful procedure and repeated attempts for successful insertion should therefore be limited. We aimed to quantify the incidence, complications, and factors associated with these complications. ⋯ In this study the majority of PIVCs were removed after the occurrence of a complication. The most common complication was infiltration. Strategies to identify and prevent infiltration in an NICU population are required. Future interventional studies should attempt to improve first-time insertion success and reduce PIVC failure from infiltration in the neonate. Based on the results of the present study, neonatologists and physician assistants are the preferential PIVC inserters. Advanced training of all members of vascular access specialist teams and ongoing monitoring of PIVC-related complications are recommended.