Continuous heparin infusion to prevent thrombosis and catheter occlusion in neonates with peripherally placed percutaneous central venous catheters.

Peripherally placed percutaneous central venous catheters (PCVC) are used in neonates to provide long-term vascular access. Major complications associated with these catheters include mechanical complications (catheter thrombosis, occlusion or dislodgement) and infection. Strategies to prevent catheter thrombosis and occlusion include the use of heparin. Systematic review has revealed that heparin is effective in prolonging the umbilical arterial catheter stay in neonates. However, heparin is known to be associated with complications such as bleeding and thrombocytopenia which may result in serious long-term sequelae.