Does the Heparin Infusion Decrease the Risk of Catheter Related Thrombosis in Neonates with Central Venous Catheters?

Abstract

A preterm newborn baby needs a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICVC) for the administration of parenteral nutrition (PN), intravenous (IV) fluids and medications. Echocardiogram is performed on this baby to ascertain the presence of PDA. Echocardiogram shows an incidental finding of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis that is partially blocking the IVC. Here the question arises whether administration of continuous infusion of heparin through the central venous catheters including the umbilical venous catheters (UVC) or peripherally (percutaneous) inserted central venous catheters, commonly referred as long lines can reduce the incidence of catheter related thrombosis in neonates.