Complications of vascular catheterization in critically ill children

Authors:
  • DSDeborah L. Smith-Wright
    Deborah L. Smith-Wright
  • TGThomas P. Green
    Thomas P. Green
  • JLJames E. Lock
    James E. Lock
  • MEMadonna I. Egar
    Madonna I. Egar
  • BFBradley P. Fuhrman
    Bradley P. Fuhrman
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Abstract
Invasive hemodynamic monitoring is widely used in the care of critically ill children. In a prospective study, a total of 330 arterial catheters, 397 central venous catheters, and 47 pulmonary artery catheters were placed in 467 children, between February 1981 and September 1982. Complications observed included: bleeding in seven of 774 vascular catheterizations, arterial obstruction in three of 377 arterial catheterizations, and sepsis in 11 of 774 vascular catheterizations. Of the 21 complications noted, 71% occurred in children less than 5 yr of age. A total of 19 (4.1%) children suffered complications of bleeding, arterial obstruction, and/or sepsis. In contrast, the overall mortality in this group of patients was 16%. The risk of morbidity from vascular catheterization appeared justified in this group of critically ill children.