A review of peripherally inserted central catheters and various types of vascular access in very small children and pediatric patients and their potential complications

Abstract

Accessing the veins for blood delivery, sampling or nutrition is a critical factor in the process of care and management of pediatric patients. In this regard, the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is one of the main alternatives which could be applied effectively as traditional central venous devices in neonates and adults. Due to their essential role in providing safe central venous entry, PICCs could be applied extensively in patients who are critically ill. The main aims of the present study are to review approximately all relevant publications concerning PICC procedures, any possible complications, and the most appropriate decision for preventing these complications due to their high mortality rate. We carried out a comprehensive search on PubMed, HubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases for identifying the most relevant publications related to potential complications following the application and insertion of PICCs in hospitalized children and infants. Through appropriate care of catheters, the rate of possible infectious, mechanical and thrombotic complications would decrease considerably compared to those patients who received traditional central venous catheters. However, the process of vascular access in neonatal and children is very challenging. Any delay or denying treatment due to the lack of vascular access is intolerable. In this regard, anesthesiologists must achieve extra knowledge of various vascular devices.