Abstract
The field of neonatology lacks adequate research to support or oppose the use of umbilical arterial catheters (UACs) for the administration of most fluids, medications, and blood products. There are recognized risks of having a UAC in place. However, it is unknown whether or not these risks increase with specific infusions. The purpose of this research was to identify and explain any relationships between adverse events and the infusion of fluids, medications, and blood products through UACs. The data collection process included a retrospective chart review of 104 infants in a 12-bed level two neonatal intensive care unit who had a UAC placed. Medical records were examined for the number of indwelling catheter days, the size and position of the catheter, the composition and rate of infusates, and any complications possibly related to UAC use. Researchers examined the significance of any associations between adverse events and infusates and evaluated those relationships for practical significance. Relationships that could not be attributed to additional factors included: packed red blood cell transfusions and secondary port occlusion (p= .0259), furosemide and hypertension (p= .0108), and caffeine and hypertension (p= .0367). Further investigation into the safety of specific infusates is warranted. However, based on the results of this study the authors concluded that adverse outcomes are often not the result of infusions through the line as much as the presence of the UAC itself, and it may not be necessary to completely avoid UAC infusions. In fact, decreasing the pain and risks associated with obtaining additional intravascular access and preserving peripheral vessels for later use may improve neonatal outcomes.