Effect of Heparinization of Fluids Infused Through an Umbilical Artery Catheter on Catheter Patency and Frequency of Complications

[摘要] Heparinization of fluids (1 unit/ml) infused through an unibilical artery catheter (UAC) was efficacious in prolonging catheter patency in a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical study. On the basis of life-table analysis, the half-life of catheter function was seven days in the heparinized group as compared with just over two days in the nonheparinized group (P < .01). UAC occlusion occurred imi 4 of 32 patients in the heparinized and in 19 of 30 in the nonheparinized group (x2 = 17.6, P < .01). Blood transfusions, number of arterial blood gases drawn through the UACs, and fluid infusion rates were not related to catheter occlusion. Heparinization of the UAC infusion did not alter the partial thromboplastin time or the incidence of catheter-related thromboembolic pheniomena in the extremities. Heparinization of fluids infused through a UAC appears to be useful in the care of critically ill neonates.

[学科分类] 儿科学