Percutaneous central venous catheterization in children, is it efficient?

ObjectiveTo evaluate the frequent use of percutaneous central venous catheters (CVCs) in pediatric agegroup.MethodsRetrospectively we reviewed the records of all children that had percutaneous CVCs in the pediatric surgical ward and pediatric intensive care unit at King Hussein Medical Center between January2007 and December 2007 (one year). Patients were evaluated with respect to their age, gender, catheter type, indication for CVC insertion, site of CVC insertion. The duration of catheter use and eventual complications were also taken into consideration.ResultsA total of 120 percutaneous CVCs were inserted in 104 children. Patient age ranged from one day to14 years. The average catheter insertion time was 12.5 days. We noted 66 (18.8%) CVC- related complications. Complications related to percutaneous CVCs insertion were malposition of catheter (5.4%) and pneumothorax (0.9%). Occlusion of CVCs (4.3%), catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBI) (4.0%), dislodgment (3.7%) and catheter damage (0.6%) were complications associated with lenght of CVCs use.ConclusionWe conclude that percutaneous central venous catheterization is a safe and efficient procedure that can be done at bedside with minimal complications in pediatric age group.Keywords: Percutaneous, indications, complications, children.