El catéter venoso percutáneo: Una opción económica y segura para niños pretérmino de muy bajo peso

Abstract

Through a descriptive and prospective study efficiency of percutaneous venous catheter in prematurely infant babies (-1,800 g) at the Intensive Care Unit of Newborn Children of the Hospital Universitario del Valle, Cali, Colombia, was evaluated. From August 1994 to February 1955 the study was made in 76 children who received the catheter in their first 48 hours of life. Catheter permanence had an average time of 14.3 days. Insertion was mainly performed into basilica and cephalic veins. Catheter localization at central level was manifest into subclavia and superior cava veins. Withdrawal of catheter was due to end of treatment and demonstration of per os regimen. Almost 75% of prematurely born children had an increase of weight. Complications seen were mainly due to prematurity and not to the presence of catheter itself. Therefore, percutaneous venous catheter was found to be a secure and efficient method for management of premature babies since they receive continuity in their treatment that offers a daily weight increase as well as administration of high concentrations of nutritional support. Additionally, since catheters were made with Colombian material their expenses were 50% lowered. © 1996 Corporación Editora Médica del Valle.