1253: EFFECT OF PERIPHERALLY INFUSED NOREPINEPHRINE ON REDUCING CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER UTILIZATION

Abstract

Introduction: Vasoactive agents like norepinephrine have been historically administered via central venous catheters (CVCs) due to the perceived risk of local tissue injury with peripheral infusion. While infusion-related complications may be reduced with CVC administration, the higher rates of bacteremia, pneumothorax, and air embolism must be weighed, along with delays in administration and achievement of hemodynamic stability. This study is designed to add to the available safety data of peripheral norepinephrine administration while also investigating the direct cost savings associated with CVC avoidance. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of adult patients who received norepinephrine between January 1 and September 1, 2021. A hospital guideline allows peripheral infusion of norepinephrine via dedicated, 16 – 20 gauge, mid-to-upper arm IV catheters for up to 24 hours. The primary outcome was the need for central venous access in patients initially started on peripherally infused norepinephrine. Safety outcomes included local tissue injury attributed to norepinephrine infusion. Results: Ninety-eight of 124 total patients initially received peripheral norepinephrine infusions, most of which required vasopressors for distributive or mixed shock. Thirty-six patients (37%) avoided the need for central line placement. The median duration of vasopressors was 6 hours [IQR 3.3 – 11.3] at a median maximum rate of 0.08 mcg/kg/min [IQR 0.05 – 0.15]. In the remaining 62 patients who progressed from peripheral to central line placement, the median duration was 15.5 hours [IQR 6 – 38.5] at a median maximum rate of 0.15 mcg/kg/min [IQR 0.06 – 0.25]. Eighty of the 98 patients (82%) who started peripherally infused norepinephrine required therapy for ≤12 hours. No extravasation or local complications were observed regardless of site of infusion. Avoiding progression to a CVC in 37 of every 100 peripheral lines resulted in an estimated direct supply cost savings of $8,900. Conclusions: Initial administration of norepinephrine via a dedicated peripheral IV site was safe and led to a reduction in the need for subsequent CVC access. To minimize cost while achieving timely resuscitation goals and maintaining patient safety, initial peripheral administration should be considered for all patients.