Effect of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Premature Infants with Parenteral Nutrition

Objective To explore the effects of peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC) in premature infants who received parenteral nutrition.Methods A retrospective review was undertaken of 208 premature infants who were used PICC and received parenteral nutrition from July 2001 to September 2009.Results The average dwelling time of PICCs was(16.7±10.3) days.Most PICCs were put in correct location(n=179),which was in the junction of superior vena cava and right atrium.Some infants were with catheter-related complications in the process of using parenteral nutrition(n=45).Occlusion was the most common complication induced by PICC,followed by exosmosis,slide of catheter,suspected infection,phlebitis,breaking of catheter and hemorrhage in puncture point.Conclusion PICC can provide a safe venous access for premature infants to receive parenteral nutrition for a long term.Occlusion,infection and phlebitis are the most common complications.Nursing should focus on reducing the incidence of complications.