Estimating the Insertion Depth of a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Newborns Using Weight and Gestational Age Measurements

The objective of this study was to estimate the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion depth in newborns. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 790 neonates who underwent PICC insertion for intravenous injections administered for 6 days or more following neonatal intensive care unit admission at our institution between January 2011 and October 2015. We analyzed patients' electronic medical records and chest standard radiographs. PICC insertion depths were calculated using the following equation: Insertion depth = Section + (beta(1) x Body weight). The predicted equation was checked for accuracy using Bland-Altman plots. Of 835 included neonates, 790 (94.6%) had properly positioned PICCs. Forty-three of 45 unsuitable patients (5.4%) had catheters inserted into the cephalic veins. Of the 790 patients with correctly inserted catheter tips, regression equations and standard errors were calculated for the average insertion depth and timing of PICC insertion. The catheter depth increased with every 100 g of weight gain and week of gestational age. More than 90% of the 4 vessels incorporating PICCs were included within the standard deviation of +/- 2.0, indicating high predictive validity. This study established a standard for accurately measuring PICC insertion depths.