Complications of umbilical venous catheters in neonates: A safety reappraisal

Umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are frequently used for fluid resuscitation, blood sampling and transfusions, administration of intravenous medication, central venous pressure monitoring, and parenteral nutrition in neonates, particularly premature neonates, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although it is considered relatively safe, an indwelling UVC is associated with complications that may cause morbidity and mortality. Blood stream infection is the most common serious adverse event, with reported incidence ranging from 3% to more than 36% depending on the diagnostic criteria applied and the demographics of the population studied.