Key result
Heparin flushes showed no statistically significant differences in IV catheter patency compared to normal saline flushes in children with capped peripheral intravenous catheters.
Why the study?
Does heparin flush improve IV catheter patency compared to normal saline in children with capped pediatric peripheral intravenous catheters?
Does heparin flush improve IV catheter patency compared to normal saline in children with capped pediatric peripheral intravenous catheters?
Normal saline is as effective as heparin for maintaining patency of capped pediatric peripheral intravenous catheters.
No difference supports caution against practice change in children; leaves open optimal flush solution pending larger trials.
An evidence-based study examined the effectiveness of 2 solutions, heparin and normal saline, when used to flush capped pediatric peripheral intravenous (CPP IV) catheters. This experimental study assessed patency, redness, swelling, clotting, bruising, leakage, and patient pain after each intervention/flush. Study participants included 62 children (32 heparin and 30 normal saline) who had CPP IV catheters using 20-, 22-, or 24-gauge catheters. No statistically significant differences were found in IV catheter patency between children in the normal saline group and children in the heparin group. A postimplementation follow-up study with 30 patients who received normal saline only as a flush experienced no patency issues.
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White et al. (2011) studied Capped pediatric peripheral intravenous (CPP IV) catheters (n=62). Heparin vs. Normal saline was evaluated on IV catheter patency. Heparin flushes showed no statistically significant differences in IV catheter patency compared to normal saline flushes in children with capped peripheral intravenous catheters.
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