The idle central venous catheter in the NICU: When should it be removed?

Purpose: There is debate regarding the optimal timing of central line removal in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The purpose was to evaluate outcomes of idle peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and tunneled central venous catheters (TCVCs) and determine the incidence of line-related infections and replacements. Methods: Patients in the NICU with T-CVCs placed between 11/2008 and 8/2015 (n = 134) or PICCs placed between 7/2013 and 10/2015 (n = 467) were included. Demographics and outcomes were compared. Results: The most common indications for line placement were parenteral nutrition for PICCs (74%) and lack of access for T-CVCs (53%). T-CVCs had a greater proportion of idle days (T-CVC- 25.2% vs PICC- 5.1%, p < 0.001) and removal within 24 h of discharge (T-CVC-53% vs PICC-5.8%, p < 0.001). Conversely, 81% of PICCs were removed within 24 h of nonuse. Line replacement after removal for nonuse was required in 6% of PICCs and zero T-CVCs. In both groups, the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate was lower in idle lines compared to ones in use. Conclusion: Patients treated with PICCs and T-CVCs are different populations and should have different guidelines for removal. In neonates with difficult access, the low risk of CLABSIs in idle surgically placed catheters may justify maintaining access until discharge. Type of study: Treatment study. Level of evidence: III.