Key result
Heparin saline flush shows no benefit over normal saline for pediatric catheter longevity or complications.
Why the study?
The most effective and safe method of maintaining peripheral intravenous lock in children remains uncertain due to conflicting and inconclusive results from recent studies comparing saline and heparin saline flushes.
Does heparin saline flush improve length of catheter use and reduce complications compared to normal saline in children with peripheral intravenous locks?
Population
123 children aged 1-10 years with peripheral intravenous locks
Comparison
Normal saline flush vs 1 unit/ml heparin saline vs 10 units/ml heparin saline
Design
Prospective randomized controlled double-blind trial
Authors
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Supports normal saline over heparin for pediatric catheter flushing; extends RCT evidence for simplified maintenance protocols.
RCT (n=123)
Double-blind
randomized
Does heparin saline flush improve length of catheter use and reduce complications compared to normal saline in children with peripheral intravenous locks?
Absolute Event Rate: 49.8% vs 32.5%
p-value: p=NS
Heparin saline flush does not significantly improve catheter longevity or reduce complications compared to normal saline in pediatric peripheral intravenous locks.
Mok et al. (2007) conducted an RCT in Peripheral intravenous lock maintenance (n=123). Heparin saline flush vs. Normal saline flush was evaluated on Length of catheter use (hours) (p=NS). Heparin saline flush (1 unit/ml or 10 units/ml) showed no statistically significant differences in catheter longevity or complication rates compared to normal saline in children.
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