Abstract:
Objective: To explore global practices in vascular device selection, securement, and monitoring for extremely preterm infants, and to assess regional variation.
Study design: A web-based cross-sectional survey was completed by one respondent per neonatal unit.
Result: We received 848 responses from 100 countries. Guideline availability varied: 85-98% for umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) and 29-97% for peripheral intravenous catheters. UVCs were the preferred initial vascular device at 23 to 26 weeks (70% and 63%, respectively). Transparent film dressings for peripheral catheters and Wharton’s jelly stitch for UVCs were the commonest securement methods. Peripherally inserted central catheter sites were assessed at intervals of < 8 h in 56% (434/780) units, and 58% (490/848) units did not use an extravasation injury detection tool. Guideline availability was two-fold higher in units caring for 22-23 vs 24-25 weeks' gestation.
Conclusion: Significant global variation exists, highlighting the need for standardized, evidence-based vascular care.
Reference:Mishra U, de Souza S, Buchmayer J, Maheshwari R, D’Çruz D, Walker K, Gözen D, Lowe K, Wright A, Marceau J, Culcer M, Priyadarshi A, Moore J, Shah V, Vaidya U, Khashana A, Godambe S, Cheah FC, Zhou W, Hu X, Satardien M, Oei J, Shah D, August D, Jani PR. Vascular device practices in extremely preterm infants: an international cross-sectional survey. J Perinatol. 2026 Oct 7. doi: 10.1038/s41372-026-02892-7. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42844324.