Abstract:
Objective: To analyze factors associated with catheter progression failure and outcomes of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters inserted by nurses in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Method: Observational cohort study was conducted with hospitalized COVID-19 patients, following the STROBE guidelines. Categorical variables were described as absolute and relative frequencies; quantitative variables were expressed as median and interquartile range. Non-parametric tests were applied due to non-normal distribution. Associations were analyzed using Pearson’s chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Logistic regression was performed for variables associated with outcomes.
Results: A total of 1061 Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters were analyzed. The main indications were for antibiotic therapy, and most catheters were removed after treatment completion. First-attempt failure and clinical patient profile were associated with catheter progression failure. Subcutaneous heparin was a protective factor. Among Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters successfully inserted, tip confirmation via chest X-ray and catheter-to-vessel ratio between 31%-40% were associated with thrombosis, whereas Sherlock confirmation was protective.
Conclusion: Catheter progression failure was associated with clinical conditions and first-attempt failure. Adverse outcomes were associated with X-ray tip confirmation and catheter-to-vessel ratio, whereas Sherlock use and subcutaneous heparin were protective factors.
Reference:Saba A, Barbosa JAS. Factors associated with failures and outcomes of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem. 2026 Oct 23;34:e4970. doi: 10.1590/1518-8345.8298.4970. PMID: 42961215; PMCID: PMC13706261.