Predictors of Umbilical Venous Catheter Misalignment

Abstract

Introduction: The insertion of an umbilical venous catheter (UVC) is a routine procedure. The success rate of this procedure is about 40–50%, with potential complications arising from misaligned UVC placement. Objectives: To explore potential factors that may aid in the prediction of UVC misalignment. We hypothesized that UVC misalignment is proportionally related with increased chronological age. Methods: Retrospective chart review for newborns who had an UVC procedure followed by an x-ray. All analyses were conducted using standard comparative statistical methods and logistic regression modelling with SPSS v.24 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA), and p-values Conclusion: A misaligned UVC is more likely to occur in late preterm and term babies, whereas a baby being SGA increases the likelihood of a well-aligned UVC.

Keywords

• UVC
• ductus venosus
• preterm
• NICU