Influencing factors of mechanical phlebitis in very/extremely low birth weight infants with peripherally inserted central catheterization

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of mechanical phlebitis (MP) during peripherally inserted central catheterization(PICC)in very/extremely low birth weight infants(VLBWI/ELBWI)in neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Methods The clinical data of VLBWI/ELBWI who underwent PICC catheterization were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of MP.

Results The incidence of MP after implementation of PICC in VLBWI/ELBWI was 26.1% (116/444). Univariate analysis showed that the position of catheter tip, catheter vein, gestational age, body mass at birth, gestational age when cathetering, body mass when cathetering, puncture times and length were influencing factors for MP in VLBWI/ELBWI (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal position ofcatheter tip (OR=2.526; 95%CI, 1.532 to 4.164) and puncture times ≥ 2 times (OR=1.952; 95%CI, 1.017 to 3.747) were independent risk factors.

Conclusion The abnormal catheter tip position and the number of puncturing ≥ 2 times increase the risk of mechanical phlebitis in VLBWI/ELBWI after PICC. Early intervention should be taken as soon as possible to avoid the occurrence of MP so as to relieve infants'pain and improve the quality of clinical care.