The effect of applying normal saline as sealing solution for umbilical venous catheter in VLBW premature infant

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of applying normal saline as sealing solution for umbilical venous catheter in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infant. Methods Premature infants with VLBW were selected for umbilical vein catheterization, including 76 cases with central umbilical vein catheterization (UICC), 26 cases with simple umbilical vein catheterization (UVC), and 51 cases with central peripheral vein catheterization (PICC). All children were sealed with positive pressure pulse of 0.9% normal saline after infusion.The rate of catheter patency, incidence of thrombosis, infection rate, unplanned extubation rate and blood return rate within 7 days were observed. Results Catheter patency rate of UICC group、UVC group and PICC group was 100%, 96.15%、98.04%, thrombus incidence was 2.63%, 3.85%, 1.96%, infection rate was 3.95%, 0%, 3.92%, unplanned extubation rate was 10.53%, 38.46%, 7.84%, and blood return rate within 7 days was 61.84%, 3.85%, 88.24%.There was no statistical difference in the rate of catheter patency, thrombosis and infection rate among the three groups.There was no statistically significant difference in unplanned extubation rate between the UICC group and the PICC group, and there was statistically significant difference in blood return rate within 7 days (P<0.001). Conclusions As a catheter entrapment and sealing solution for very low birth weight premature infants, 0.9%normal saline can effectively maintain the pipeline patency and prevent catheter-related complications, especially in the UICC, which is more in line with the physiological characteristics of very low birth weight premature infants, and is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Premature infant; VLBWI; Umbilical vein; Central vein; Sealing solution; 0.9% normal saline