Catheter-related deep vein thrombosis in newborn infants.

INTRODUCTION

In neonatology, more than 90 % of deep vein thromboses are related to catheter use. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with central venous catheter-related deep vein thrombosis.

POPULATION AND METHODS

Observational and analytical study conducted in a prospective cohort. All central venous catheters were included using consecutive, non-random sampling. The screening protocol included a daily clinical examination and a Doppler ultrasound (7-10 days after insertion and/or 72 h after removal). Follow-up: from catheter insertion to catheter removal, death or patient counter-referral. The incidence density rate per 1000 catheter-days was estimated with its corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs), and risk factors, using Cox multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Thrombosis was identified in 22/264 catheters. The incidence density rate of thrombosis was 5.33 ‰ catheter-days (95 % CI: 3.34-8.07). Cardiovascular surgery and and the use of central catheters others than peripherally inserted ones, were independent risk factors for thrombosis (hazard ratio: 3.8 [95 % CI: 1.6-9] and 2.75 [95 % CI: 1.17-6.45]).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of central venous catheter-related deep vein thrombosis was 5.33 per 1000 catheter-days. A history of cardiovascular surgical procedures and and the use of central catheters others than peripherally inserted ones, were associated with a higher risk of this complication.