Ultrasound guided central line insertion in neonates: Pain score results from a prospective study

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sabouneh, Rami^a | Akiki, Pierre^a | Al Bizri, Ayah^b | El Helou, Sally^a | Zeidan, Smart^c | Al Hamod, Dany^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon | [b] Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon | [c] Department of Pediatric Surgery, Saint George Hospital University Medical Center, University of Balamand, Beirut, Lebanon

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Dany Al Hamod, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Saint George hospital University Medical Center, P.O. Box 166378, Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon. E-mail: dany_alhamod@hotmail.com.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:Central lines can be placed through different techniques, either peripherally or centrally. Although they have the same aim, decision to use one of these modalities depends on the patient outcomes. The aim is to compare pain scores between ultrasound-guided central line insertion and peripherally inserted catheter in neonates in a prospective randomized single center study. METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was conducted in neonates requiring central venous access for any of the following reasons: total parenteral nutrition (TPN), antibiotics treatment for at least 7 days and having poor or difficult venous access. The study compared pain difference, in neonates, that were randomized between peripherally and ultra-sound guided centrally placed central lines using the validated pain score N – PASS. RESULTS:61 neonates were enrolled in the study. US-guided CICC was associated with less pain as reported by the statistically significant lower pain score difference (p-value <0.001) than the standard PICC. Additionally, the US-guided CICC had a higher rate of successful first attempt (p = 0.012), lower overall number of attempts (p < 0.001), and shorter procedure duration (p < 0.001) as compared to standard PICC. CONCLUSION:US-guided CICC is a less painful technique than PICC line insertion associated with higher rate of successful first attempt, lower overall number of attempts and shorter procedure duration.

Keywords: Central line, internal jugular vein, peripherally inserted central catheter, preterm neonates, ultrasound, pain score

DOI: 10.3233/NPM-180205

Journal: Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 129-134, 2020