Objective To make an individualized administration scheme via evidence-based medicine methods, namely adding heparin into the total nutrient admixture (TNA) solution, so as to help a neonate to prevent the occlusion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Methods After carefully assessing the condition of neonate, this clinical issue was put forward in accordance with the PICO principles. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews on neonates’ PICC occlusion were collected from The Cochrane Library, CCTR, DARE, NGC, MEDLINE (Ovid) and CBM from inception to 2011. The clinical intervention scheme was finally made after the assessment of the retrieved evidence and neonate’s physiological condition. Results A total of 4 RCTs and 1 systematic review related to the issues were identified. The following scheme was finally made for the neonate through the assessment of the retrieved evidence and combination of intentions of the patient’s family members: heparin (0.5 U/mL) was added into TNA to prevent PICC occlusion. During the application, blood routine test and blood coagulation were monitored, and the catheter opening time and extubation reason were recorded. Through the above treatment, the neonate successfully completed the treatment before extubation. The time of both PICC detaining and opening was 20 days in total, and there were no PICC occlusion, no catheter thrombosis, and no catheter related bloodstream infection. Moreover, no observation showed thrombopenia and aggravated coagulation disorders resulted from heparin. Conclusion The evidence-based medicine method is an effective way to make reasonable heparin scheme for neonate, so as to prevent PICC occlusion, reduce catheter thrombosis, decrease risks of catheter related blood circulation infection, assure successful completion of treatment, and guarantee the safety of patients.
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is widely used as an intravenous therapy pathway, and catheter occlusion is one of the most common complications during the use of PICC. Catheter occlusion may lead to extubation or re-catheterization, which may generate prolonged hospital stay and increased medical costs, thus affecting the implementation of treatment and patient prognosis. The prevention and treatment of occlusion are of great significance. Daily maintenance and nursing operations should be complete, standardized and implemented in place. Evidence-based standard procedures should be established to meet the needs of clinical work. This consensus follows the methods and principles provided in the WHO guidelines formulation manual, and forms a systematic and standardized clinical practice process, including PICC patency assessment, catheter occlusion degree and type assessment, risk factor prevention, blockage management, etc. The purpose of this consensus is to reduce catheter-related complications, ensure the longevity of PICC and the safety of patient treatment.