Evaluating the Sensitivity and Specificity of Echocardiography in Determining the Appropriate Position of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Infants

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of echocardiography compared to plain radiography in determining the appropriate line tip position of peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICC). Also, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between independent predictors (chronological age, birth weight, gestational age, and gender) and related complications with PICC line tip position.

In this prospective observational study, which was performed in the neonatal intensive care units of teaching hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2019, 50 out of 96 neonates were non-randomly selected based on inclusion criteria. The radiographic and echocardiographic tests were simultaneously performed, and the data were analyzed.

The findings of this study showed that there was an agreement between radiography and echocardiography in determining the PICC line tip position in 43 neonates (86%). The sensitivity and specificity of echocardiography in determining the ectopic position of the catheter were 81% and 77%, respectively. In 32 neonates (64%), a second radiograph prevented the following line manipulation using echocardiography. In addition, there was no significant relationship between independent predictors (chronological age, birth weight, gestational age, and gender) and PICC line complications.

The results of the present study showed that echocardiography was a useful tool for determining the position of the catheter’s tip in LBW neonates. It also minimizes radiation exposure on subsequent radiographs and obviates the need for additional radiographs following catheter manipulation by echocardiography.