Central Venous Catheter Utilization and Complications in the Pediatric Cardiac ICU: A Report From the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4)*

Conclusions: Utilization of central venous catheters in pediatric cardiac ICUs differs according to indication for hospitalization. Although thrombosis and central line–associated bloodstream infection are infrequent complications of central venous catheter use in cardiac ICU patients, these events can have important short- and long-term consequences for patients. Total central venous catheter line days were the only modifiable risk factor identified. Future study must focus on understanding central venous catheter practices in high-risk patient subgroups that reduce the prevalence of thrombosis and central line–associated bloodstream infection.
Source: Pediatric Critical Care Medicine - Category: Pediatrics Tags: Cardiac Intensive Care Source Type: research