Heparin for prolonging peripheral intravenous catheter use in neonates

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters are widely used in modern medical practice. However, mechanical or infectious complications often necessitate their removal and/or replacement. Heparin has been shown to be effective in prolonging the patency of peripheral arterial catheters and central venous catheters, but may result in life threatening complications, especially in preterm neonates. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to …