Risk factors for umbilical venous catheter‐associated thrombosis in very low birth weight infants

Abstract

Background Thrombosis in neonates is a rare but serious occurrence, usually associated with central catheterization. The objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with catheter related thrombosis in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Procedure The present retrospective study was performed using data from a randomized trial of duration of umbilical venous catheters (UVC) placement among infants 55% in the first week (odds ratio [OR] 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0–14.6; P = 0.0003), being small for gestational age (SGA) (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.2–7.4; P = 0.02) and maternal preeclampsia (OR, 3.97; 95% CI, 1.6–9.84; P = 0.0017). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, only hematocrit >55% was independently associated with thrombus (OR, 3.7; 95% CI 1.1–11.8; P = 0.03). Conclusions This study demonstrates a significant, independent association between elevated hematocrit and development of UVC‐associated thrombosis. Careful monitoring for catheter‐associated thrombosis may be indicated in VLBW infants who have hematocrit >55% in the first week of life. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:75–79.