Peripherally inserted central catheter care in neonates: An integrative literature review

Abstract

The peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a common technology employed in the intravenous therapy of neonates. This integrative review was performed with the objective to investigate and analyze the evidence available in the literature regarding this technology. The databases searched included the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS) and the United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Results point at gaps in relation to their use in the neonatal population (n=1); various themes regarding the use of anticoagulants (n=6), comparison with other catheters (n=4), diagnostic imaging (n=2), pain (n=2), and catheter-relation infection and its prevention (n=7), among others. There is a need for staff education regarding their use; scientific evidence with easy access; and national publications regarding their use.