ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the incidence of complications related to the use of peripheral intravenous catheter in neonates and identify the associated risk factors.

Method: Prospective cohort study conducted in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Participants were the hospitalized neonates undergoing peripheral intravenous puncture in the period from February to June 2013.

Results: The incidence of complications was 63.15%, being infiltration/extravasation (69.89%), phlebitis (17.84%) and obstruction (12.27%). The risk factors were the presence of infection (p = 0.0192) and weight at the puncture day (p = 0.0093), type of intermittent infusion associated with continuous infusion (p <0.0001), endotracheal intubation (p = 0.0008), infusion of basic plan (p = 0.0027), total parenteral nutrition (P = 0.0002), blood transfusion associated with other infusions (p = 0.0003) and other drugs (p = 0.0004). Higher risk of developing complications in the first 48 hours after puncture.

Conclusion: A high rate of complications related to the use of peripheral intravenous catheter, and risk factors associated with infection, weight, drugs and infused solutions, and type of infusion.