OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to compare the complication rates of upper versus lower extremity percutaneously inserted central catheters used for total parenteral nutrition in neonates. METHODS. During a 48-month study period, 396 neonates were identified as having had percutaneously inserted central venous catheters. A total of 370 catheters were inserted from the upper and 107 from the lower extremity. Data retrieved and analyzed were birth weight, gestational age, age at placement, duration in place, duration of total parenteral nutrition, type of infusates, catheter-related bloodstream infection, phlebitis, leakage, occlusion, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, serum creatinine, liver function tests, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS. The median birth weight and gestational age were 940 g and 28 weeks. The rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection was 11.6% for the upper and 9.3% in the lower extremity catheters. The most common organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus for both upper and lower extremity catheters and significantly higher with catheters from the upper extremity. Lower extremity catheters were in place longer, and the time from insertion to complication was also longer. The rate of cholestasis was higher for the upper extremity catheters. Multiple regression analysis showed that the most significant contributor to cholestasis was duration of time the catheters were in place and the duration of total parenteral nutrition administration. Receiver operating characteristics curve demonstrated higher sensitivity for duration of catheters in predicting cholestasis with duration of total parenteral nutrition being more specific. CONCLUSION. Lower extremity percutaneously inserted central venous catheters had lower rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection, longer time to first complication, and lower cholestasis despite longer duration of total parenteral nutrition. When possible, lower extremity inserted catheters should be used for the administration of total parenteral nutrition.
