Effects of low-dose heparin on failure of intravenous infusions in children.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a dextrose-saline solution manufactured under commercial conditions and containing 1 IU per ml of heparin prolongs the use of infusion sites in children.

DESIGN

Double-blind randomized trial.

PATIENTS

Eighty children in a medical ward.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Failure of infusion sites from phlebitis and/or extravasation.

INTERVENTION

Duration of use of infusion sites was calculated to the nearest hour.

STATISTICS

Univariate survival analysis.

RESULTS

The median time to failure when solutions contained the heparin (97 hours) was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared with control solutions (43 hours).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of solutions containing low-dose heparin is recommended for children who might have problems with venous access.