Peripheral Intravenous Catheter-Associated Injuries in Neonates: Monitoring, Diagnosis, Management, and Complications.

Abstract

Advances in neonatal medicine over the last several decades have led to improvements in survival for the most fragile and critically ill infants. A mainstay of supporting the health needs of hospitalized infants involves use of peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters to administer medications, parenteral nutrition, and blood products. However, PIV catheters are not without risks and complications such as infiltration and extravasation. While prevention of these complications remains a persistent challenge, a variety of treatment options may be used to reduce or avoid permanent harm. This review summarizes the range of strategies aimed at reducing PIV catheter-associated injuries and their complications.