The evaluation of central venous catheterization complications in a pediatric intensive care unit

Aim: Central venous catheter insertion is a procedure commonly used in intensive care units. In this study, the evaluation of complications related to central venous catheter is ation inserted in the pediatric intensive care unit and the risk factors associated with complications of central venous catheters are intended. Material and Method: Between 07.01.2007-08.01.2009, in Izmir Training and Research Hospital, Clinics of Pediatrics, Pediatric Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit, 110 patients with central venous catheters (mean age: 46.9 +/- 54.5 months, median age: 21 months, range 1 month-228 months: 49 female / 61 males) were studied. Results: A total of 128 catheters [femoral, subslavian and jugular catheters as 88 (68.8%), 37 (28.9%) and three (2.3%), respectively] were inserted in 110 patients. During catheter insertion, six insertion-related complications (4.7%) occured whereas 12 infections (9.4%), six thromboses (4.7%) and two (1.6%) accidental removals were observed during follow-up. No risk factors were observed for catheter insertion-related complications (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the risk of complications observed between the cases with subklavian and those with femoral catheterization (p>0.05). Conclusions: The placement of central venous catheters in pediatric intensive care unit is a safe procedure in experienced hands. (Turk Arch Ped 2011; 46:215-9)