Normal Saline Versus Heparinized Solution Flush for Maintaining Patency of Peripheral Venous Catheters in Children

Normal Saline Versus Heparinized Solution Flush for Maintaining Patency of Peripheral Venous Catheters in Children

The aim of the study is to verify if the periodic flush with normal saline 0.9% NaCl causes a longer or equal duration of patency of peripheral venous catheters, compared with heparin solution 50 U / ml flush, in children from 2 years to 14 years. Only 22 and 24 gauge catheters Will be included in the study.The study will assess in particular:

• the difference of permanence in situ of the device
• the difference in incidence of complications (in detail: obstruction, phlebitis, thrombocytopenia, systemic anticoagulation)
• the difference in costs between use of saline normal saline 0.9% NaCl solution and heparinized 50 U / ml.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 2 years and 14 years old
• Medical prescription of intravenous antibiotic therapy for at least 2 doses on the day
• Presence of informed consent to participate to the study provided by the parents
• No known hypersensitivity to heparin
• No known hypersensitivity to the patch fixing materials (polyurethane and / or glue)
• Absence of diseases buoyancy coagulation (haemophilias and / or thrombophilias)
• No antecedents trombopenie dued to the use of any type of heparin or a pentosan polysulfate
• No existing treatment based on corticosteroids and / or anti-inflammatory

Exclusion Criteria:

• age outside the range 2 - 14 years
• children for which there is no prescription of intravenous antibiotic therapy for at least 2 times a day
• children for which the parents have not consented to the study
• children with known hypersensitivity to heparin
• children with known hypersensitivity to the patch fixing materials (polyurethane and / or adhesive)
• children with disease-causing buoyancy coagulation (Hemophilia and / or thrombophilia)
• children with antecedents of trombopenie occurring by the use of any type of heparin or of a pentosan polyphosphate
• children in treatment with corticosteroids and / or anti-inflammatory