74 Central venous line-related thrombosis in neonates: A population-based study

Abstract

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background The incidence of central venous line (CVL)-related thromboembolism (TE) in neonates is rising dramatically. The mainstay of treatment in neonatal thrombosis is anticoagulant therapy. However, management of neonatal CVL-related TE is particularly complex, as the higher risk of systemic and intracranial bleeding, especially in premature babies, must be balanced with the thrombotic risks, including death, or morbidity such as organ dysfunction, post-thrombotic syndrome, and neurodevelopmental sequelae. There is a paucity of evidence regarding the epidemiology of neonatal CVL-related thrombosis, to help clinicians identify neonates at high-risk of CVL-related thrombosis, as well as to tailor treatment based on the risks and benefits of anticoagulants in neonates. Objectives The objectives of this retrospective cohort study are: 1) to determine the main risk factors of CVL-related TE in neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); and 2) to compare the effectiveness and safety between different antithrombotic treatment modalities for neonatal CVL-related TE using the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) database and electronic medical chart review. Design/Methods Neonates ≤ 28 days of life admitted to the NICU for ≥ 24 hours requiring a CVL with TE confirmed by imaging were included in the study. The main effectiveness outcome is the resolution of TE, whereas the main safety outcome is the apparition of a major bleeding. In this study (n=39), we compared the effectiveness and safety outcomes according to antithrombotic treatment modalities (conservative vs. anticoagulation). Results The median gestational age is 35[26-38] weeks, and the mean birth weight is 2096±1110 g. CVL responsible for TE was umbilical venous catheter (28%), umbilical arterial catheter (46%), peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) (8%), and peripheral arterial catheter (18%). The anticoagulation therapy is more effective to achieve a partial and complete resolution of TE than the conservative treatment after a mean follow-up of 7 weeks (p=0.02). However, there were no differences according to antithrombotic treatment group regarding safety outcome assessed by major bleedings (p=0.2). Conclusion Our results tend to suggest that anticoagulation therapy is more effective to achieve resolution of CVLs-related TE than conservative treatment without compromising the safety of neonates. However, a large multicentric study is required to evaluate the risks and benefits of anticoagulants in neonates.