SAFETY OF SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT WITH UMBILICAL VENOUS CATHETER IN PRETERM INFANTS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Abstract

Objective For many healthcare providers, an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) may be a contraindication for skin-to-skin contact (SSC). Our aim was to assess the safety of the procedure. Study Design Prospective observational study in newborns less than 35 weeks' gestation. UVC-related adverse events were compared between neonates who performed SSC and those who didn't. The incidence of catheter-related displacement, leak, loss, hemorrhage, malfunction and bloodstream infection (CRBSI) was studied. Results From 226 patients, 171 performed SSC with UVC. Their first contact was earlier than in those who remained in incubator (SSC-UVC 29 hours (IQR 21-53); vs No SSC-UVC 132 hours (IQR 96-188); p<0.001). Both groups were similar in gestational age (p = 0.331) and birth weight (p = 0.2). Studied complications were not more frequent in patients who performed SSC. In fact, although it was not statistically significant, a lower overall incidence of adverse events (SSC-UVC 13.5% vs No SSC-UVC 20%; p=0.237) and catheter-related bloodstream infection (SSC-UVC 4.7% vs No SSC-UVC 10.9%; p=0.111) was observed in this group. Conclusion SSC with an UVC is a safe procedure and there are no more complications in newborns who perform SSC compared to those who remain in the incubator. Due to its demonstrated benefits, SSC should be promoted in the premature newborn regardless of the type of catheter.