Identification of venous umbilical catheter: Ultrasound versus radiography

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound (US) in neonatal intensive care unit is considered as an indispensable tool for the daily practices. It is considered as the new gold standard in identifying umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tips. Aim: To evaluate the radiography performance for identification of UVC. Methods: Monocentric, comparative, observational and prospective study, including all newborns submitted to UVC insertion, born at Charles Nicolle hospital, during five months. Results: 80 newborns were included. According to US, 37.5% of catheters were well positioned. The sensitivity of radiography varied from 56%. The average duration of the US was 5.76 minutes. The migration of UVC occurred in 25% and one case of venous thrombosis was reported. Conclusion: US is the most reliable exam as it allows a direct and faster visualization of the catheter tip in relation to vascular structures while avoiding irradiation.