Early planned removal versus expectant management of peripherally inserted central catheters to prevent infection in newborn infants

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To determine the effectiveness of early planned removal of PICCs (up to two weeks after insertion), compared to an expectant approach or a longer fixed duration, in preventing infection in newborn infants. We will undertake subgroup analyses by gestational age at birth (< 32 weeks versus ≥ 32 weeks) (see: Subgroup analysis and investigation of heterogeneity).