A systematic review of the reduction of neonatal PICC catheter associated infection with the frequency of replacement dressing

Objective To evaluate the effects on catheter related blood stream infection by different dressing frequency of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) with neonates. Methods A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from databases, Data were searched about the transparent dressing replacement frequency for neonatal PICC catheterization. The meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.2 software. Results Nine RCTs were included in a total of 1 730 patients. Meta analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the incidence of PICC puncture dressing, catheter-related infections (including puncture port infection, catheter-related blood flow infection, catheter bacterial colonization) at every 3, 5, and 7 days (P> 0.05). Conclusion the dressing of PICC catheter are replaced will not increase the incidence of catheter-related infections within 7 days, throughout the more appropriate frequency of dressing replacement is once every 7 days. Key words: Transparent dressing; Frequency of replacement; Peripheral venous catheterization of central venous catheters; Catheter-related infection; Neonatal