ABSTRACT
To evaluate the frequent use of percutaneous central venous catheters [CVCs] in pediatric age group. Retrospectively we reviewed the records of all children that had percutaneous CVCs in the pediatric surgical ward and pediatric intensive care unit at King Hussein Medical Center between January 2007 and December 2007 [one year]. Patients were evaluated with respect to their age, gender, catheter type, indication for CVC insertion, site of CVC insertion. The duration of catheter use and eventual complications were also taken into consideration. A total of 120 percutaneous CVCs were inserted in 104 children. Patient age ranged from one day to 14 years. The average catheter insertion time was 12.5 days. We noted 66 [18.8%] CVC- related complications. Complications related to percutaneous CVCs insertion were malposition of catheter [5.4%] and pneumothorax [0.9%]. Occlusion of CVCs [4.3%], catheter related bloodstream infections [CRBI] [4.0%], dislodgment [3.7%] and catheter damage [0.6%] were complications associated with length of CVCs use. We conclude that percutaneous central venous catheterization is a safe and efficient procedure that can be done at bedside with minimal complications in pediatric age group