Non-critically ill neonates at times require venous access to provide peripherally compatible infusions for a limited period (more than 3days). In such a situation, short peripheral cannulas are not appropriate as their average duration is about 2days, while—on the other hand—epicutaneous-caval catheters may be too invasive. In these patients, insertion of long peripheral cannulas may be an effective option.
In the experience of the authors, 2Fr 4–6 cm long peripheral catheters may be a valid option for neonates requiring peripherally compatible infusions for more than 3days. The limits of this study are the necessity of training in the technique of insertion and the small size of our sample. The longest dwell was observed in neonates weighing >2000g at the time of LPC insertion.
Authors : Maria Grazia Romitti* , Carmen Rodriguez Perez* , Elena Pezzotti, Mario Motta and Francesco Maria Risso
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
*These authors have contributed equally to this work. Corresponding author: Maria Grazia Romitti, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children’s Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili, n. 1, Brescia, Lombardia 25123, Italy.
Email: mg.romitti8@gmail.com
