NURSING MANAGEMENT OF PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETERS IN NEONATES

Abstract

This article aimed to identify and describe the main practices related to the insertion, maintenance, and removal of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in a neonatal intensive care unit. This was a quantitative, descriptive, retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a private hospital in western Paraná between January 2021 and January 2024. Medical records of 116 patients who received the catheter were included. Data underwent descriptive and analytical analysis; Poisson regression was used to analyze the factors. National ethical guidelines were observed. Results indicate an 87.6% success rate for first-attempt insertion; the upper limbs were the most common insertion site (68.1%), and antibiotic administration was the primary indication (53.4%). During catheter use, 89.2% of cases showed no complications, and elective removal of the device occurred in 68.7% of instances. The findings reinforce clinical protocols for proper device management, promoting best care practices and the prevention of complications.