Limb splinting for intravenous cannulae in neonates: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral intravenous (IV) cannula site joint immobilisation by splint application on functional duration of peripheral IV cannula in neonates.

Peripheral intravenous catheter duration and failure in paediatric acute care: A prospective cohort study

“…Measures to reduce failure and prolong the functional duration of PIVCs are important to limit the number of PIVC resites, minimise unnecessary child discomfort and distress, and reduce the risk of infection and venous insufficiency in children with chronic disease . Effective dressing and securement is one such strategy.…”

“…There are no reported benchmarks for PIVC failure rates, or PIVC lifespan, for paediatric acute care in order to compare the efficacy of interventions or care. PIVC lifespan in NICU patients has been reported at a median of 23–40 h . Several studies undertaken in the paediatric wards of predominantly adult hospitals reported longer average PIVC dwell times of 39–60 h .…”

Effect of joint immobilization on the lifespan of intravenous cannula: a randomised controlled trial

“…Similarly, a more recent RCT was conducted by Dalal and colleagues, 9 which aimed to evaluate the efficacy of splinting the joint on the functional duration of peripheral intravenous catheter in neonates. Over an 8-month period, 54 preterm and term neonates were enrolled into the study, where 69 cannulations were performed and included into the study.…”

Question 1: Does use of a splint increase the functional duration of cannulae in neonates?

“…However, splint application may promote extravasations by causing pressure on the draining veins via adhesive tape used for fixation of splint2 in infants with lower gestational age who have immature veins with poor vascular tone. Splint use also reduces the visibility of cannula site and so may mask early phlebitis and infiltration 3…”