Objective: To assess complication rates and risks associated with the use of umbilical catheters.
Study design: An observational cohort study was conducted in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit over 11 years. Any neonate with an umbilical catheter placed during this period was included. Complication event rates over time were assessed via Poisson and Cox regressions.
Results: Fifty one of 2035 umbilical arterial catheters (2.5%) and 269 of 2017 umbilical venous catheters placed (13.3%) developed a complication. Positional issues comprised most umbilical venous catheter-associated complications (86.2%) and breaks/ruptures the majority in umbilical arterial catheters (41.2%). The cumulative incidence of a complication increased most notably after 10 days of umbilical arterial catheter use and 16 days of umbilical venous catheter use.
Conclusions: Complications occurred in a relatively low percentage of umbilical catheters placed in our neonatal intensive care unit. Extended catheter dwell time remains a significant risk of developing a complication.