Safety of PICC dressing replacement frequency in premature infants: a randomized controlled study / 中国新生儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To study the safety of different peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) dressing replacement frequencies in preterm infants.Method:From June 2017 to February 2020, preterm infants were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled study. Preterm infants with PICC were randomly assigned into 7 d, 11 d and 14 d dressing replacement groups using online randomization software. Polyurethane transparent dressing and the same dressing replacement method were used in all three groups. The incidences of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) and positive skin bacterial culture at dressing site were compared among the three groups.Result:A total of 296 cases were enrolled, including 96 cases in the 7 d group, 108 cases in the 11 d group and 92 cases in the 14 d group. The incidences of CRBSI in three groups were 2.5/1 000 catheter day in 7 d group, 1.1/1 000 catheter day in 11 d group and 0.8/1 000 catheter day in 14 d group. The incidences of catheter pathogen colonization were 1.0% in 7 d group, 0.9% in 11 d group and 0% in 14 d group. The positive rates of skin bacterial culture at dressing site were 1.0% in 7 d group, 2.8% in 11d group and 2.2% in 14 d group. The incidences of PICC exit site infection in three groups were 1.0% in 7 d group, 0.9% in 11d group and 1.1% in 14 d group and no significant differences existed among the groups ( P>0.05). Gram-positive cocci were the main bacteria [91.7% (11/12)] of CRBSI and skin bacterial culture at dressing site and gram negative bacilli accounted for 8.3% (1/12). No fungal infection were found. Conclusion:It is safe to replace the PICC dressing in premature infants as needed within 14 days if the dressing is intact without curling, bleeding and exudation.