[Prospective evaluation of umbilical catheters in newborn infants. The Castrillo Hospital Group].

AIM: To evaluate the current use of umbilical catheters in newborn infants in spain by analyzing technical characteristics and infections, as well as mechanical and local complications.

METHODS: Umbilical catheters inserted in newborns in the neonatal units of the hospitals in the Castrillo hospital group from july 15, 1998 to december 31, 1998 were collected for prospective analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 489 umbilical catheters (201 venous and 288 arterial) placed in 475 newborns were analysed. No difficulties were found in inserting the catheters and they had an average indwelling time of less than 5 days. Most were removed electively. A total of 461 (94.3%) catheter tips were sent for microbiological examination and cultures were positive in 98 (21.2%). Of these, catheter contamination was found in 85 (18.4%) and catheter related sepsis was confirmed in 11(2.4%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most commonly isolated organism (72.2% of contaminated catheters and 63.6% of catheter-related sepsis). The main risk factor for contamination was duration of catheterization >/= 3 days and that for cather related sepsis was duration of catheterization >/= 3 days and birth weight
CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the umbilical catheter had a low complication rate. To ensure that the benefits of catheterization outweigh the risks, prolonged use of these devices should be avoided.