Maintenance of arterial catheters with heparin: should we continue?
2011
Comparing Heparin and Saline for Arterial Catheter Maintenance
Sample size: 49
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Catorze N, Teixeira S, Cabrita J, Carreto J, Vieira V, Gonçalves S, Frade A, Martins J
Primary Institution: Centro Hospitalar Médio Tejo, Abrantes, Portugal
Hypothesis
Is heparin more effective than saline for maintaining arterial catheters?
Conclusion
Heparinized solutions do not provide significant benefits over saline for arterial catheter maintenance.
Supporting Evidence
- Two hundred days of arterial catheters were observed in 49 patients.
- The median duration of catheters was 4.4 days for saline and 3.8 days for heparin.
- Two local inflammatory signs were recorded in the heparinized group.
- One local hemorrhage and one obstruction occurred in the heparinized group.
Takeaway
This study found that using heparin to keep IV lines open isn't better than using saltwater.
Methodology
A double-blind randomized trial comparing heparinized and saline solutions over 80 days.
Limitations
The study excluded patients with certain conditions, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
ICU patients with arterial catheters.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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