Use of peripheral intravenous cannulas in premature infants: a controlled study
Batton, D.G.; Maisels, M.J.; Appelbaum, P.
Pediatrics 70(3): 487-490
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7050878 Document Number: 186678
In a randomized, controlled study, a 25-gauge steel needle and a 24-gauge Teflon catheter for giving peripheral intravenous fluids and medications to premature infants were compared; 28 steel needles and 30 catheters were used in 34 infants. The needles remained in place for 15.4 plus or minus 13.2 h (mean plus or minus s.d.) and the Teflon catheters for 49.5 plus or minus 30.9 h (mean plus or minus s.d.). All the steel needles had to be removed because of infiltration, whereas only 17 of 30 catheters infiltrated. A local inflammatory reaction, which was not related to infection, occurred with 11 of 30 Teflon catheters. After removal, Staphylococcus epidermidis was grown from the culture of 1 of 9 steel needles and 1 of 25 catheters. In both instances that organism was thought to be a contaminant. Teflon catheters remain functional 3 times longer than steel needles with no apparent increase in complications. The use of those catheters therefore, seems to be the preferred method for giving intravenous fluids to premature infants.