Objective: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) tip migration often occurs after placement despite efforts to position the tip centrally. This study aimed to quantify PICC tip migration within 3-7 h post-insertion and evaluate the effectiveness of manual adjustments for repositioning.

Methods: This single-centre retrospective study evaluated the impact of a proactive approach following PICC placement, which included standardized body positioning during X-rays, defined target PICC tip locations, radiological surveillance at 4-6 h post-insertion, and guided manual adjustments. We included all infants receiving PICCs during a five-year period; trained nurses and physicians in vascular access performed the insertions.

Results: Of 712 infants included, the median gestational age was 30 weeks, and the median birth weight was 1386 g. PICC tip migration occurred in 211 infants (30%) within 3-7 h post-insertion, with 81% of cases involving inward migration into the cardiac silhouette. Migration was more common in upper limb PICCs (82%). Manual adjustments achieved satisfactory repositioning in 191 infants (83%). None of the infants experienced pericardial effusion.

Conclusions: A proactive approach that standardized imaging protocols, timing, and PICC tip positioning detected migration in 30% of infants and successfully facilitated repositioning in 83% of cases.

Diewo D, Mawson J, Shivananda S. Reducing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Tip Migration in Neonates: A Proactive Approach to Detection and Repositioning. J Clin Med. 2025 Mar 11;14(6):1875. doi: 10.3390/jcm14061875. PMID: 40142683; PMCID: PMC11942808.