Adverse effects related to the central venous catheterization process at a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying the types of central venous catheters (CVC) used in neonatal and pediatric patients, describing the adverse effects related to the process of central venous catheterization at a neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit. It consists of a descriptive prospective cohort study, with longitudinal outlining and quantitative approach. Data were collected in the ICU of Fernandes Figueira Institute (IFF/Fiocruz), from 82 medical records, and 130 processes were analyzed. The types of CVC used were: peripherally inserted central catheter – PICC (45.4%) – central venous catheter by direct puncture – CVCP (29.2%) – venous dissection – VD (14.6%) – umbilical venous catheter – UVC (10.8%). The most frequent mechanical adverse effect was obstruction (47.4%), whereas the most frequent infectious adverse effect was clinical sepsis (41.4%). The reduction of mechanical and infectious complication rates in neonatal and pediatric ICU depends on the interventions, modifications and standardization of healthcare practices, in order to guarantee care quality and safety.

Descriptors: Patient Safety; Catheterization, Central Venous; Intensive Care Units; Infant, Newborn; Child.