Central Line Utilization and Complications in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Objective Infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) require multiple invasive interventions carrying inherent risks, including central venous and arterial line placement. We hypothesized that specific clinical or catheter characteristics are associated with higher risk of nonelective removal (NER) due to complications and may be amenable to efforts to reduce patient harm. Study Design Infants with CDH were identified in the Children's Hospital's Neonatal Database (CHND) from 2010 to 2016. Central line use, duration, and complications resulting in NER are described and analyzed by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) use. Results A total of 1,106 CDH infants were included; nearly all (98%) had a central line placed, (average of three central lines) with a total dwell time of 22 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 14-39). Umbilical arterial and venous lines were most common, followed by extremity peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs); 12% (361/3,027 central lines) were removed secondary to complications. Malposition was the most frequent indication for NER and was twice as likely in infants with intrathoracic liver position. One quarter of central lines in those receiving ECMO was placed while receiving this therapy. Conclusion Central lines are an important component of intensive care for infants with CDH. Careful selection of line type and location and understanding of common complications may attenuate the need for early removal and reduce risk of infection, obstruction, and malposition in this high-risk group of patients.