Complications of intravascular catheters in ICU: definitions, incidence and severity. A randomized controlled trial comparing usual transparent dressings versus new-generation dressings (the ADVANCED study)

Intensive Care Med. 2016 Nov;42(11):1753-1765. doi: 10.1007/s00134-016-4582-2. Epub 2016 Oct 12.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe all post-insertion complications involving most used intravascular access, and to determine whether the use of a new-generation transparent dressing (3M™ IV Advanced) might reduce their number and impact on ICU patient outcomes.

Methods: Patients older than 18, with an expected length of stay ≥48 h and requiring at least one central venous catheter (CVC), arterial catheter (AC), haemodialysis catheter (HDC), pulmonary arterial catheters (PAC) or peripheral venous catheter (PVC) were randomized into two groups: a new-generation transparent dressing, or the hospital's classical transparent dressing, and were followed daily for any infectious and non-infectious complications. Complications were graduated for severity by an independent international multicentre multidisciplinary panel of practitioners using a Delphi process.

Results: We included 628 patients, 2214 catheters (873 PVCs, 630 CVCs, 512 ACs and 199 HDCs and PACs) and 4836 dressings. Overall incidence rate was of 60.9/1000 catheter-days. The most common complication was dysfunction (34.6/1000 catheter-days), mainly for PVCs (16/1000 catheter-days) and ACs (12.9/1000 catheter-days). Infectious complications incidence rate in CVCs and ACs was of 14.5/1000, mostly due to colonization (14.2/1000 catheter-days). Thrombosis incidence was of 3.8/1000 catheter-days with severe and very severe complications in 16 cases (1.8/1000 catheter-days) and one thrombosis-related death. 3M™ IV Advanced dressing did not decrease the rate of catheters with at least a minor complication [57.37/1000 vs. 57.52/1000 catheter-days, HR 1.03, CI (0.84-1.27), p = 0.81]. Incidence rates for each single complication remained equivalent: infectious [HR 0.93 (0.62-1.40), p = 0.72], deep thrombosis [HR 0.90 (0.39-2.06), p = 0.80], extravasation and phlebitis [HR 1.40 (0.69-2.82), p = 0.35], accidental removal [1.07 (0.56-2.04), p = 0.84] and dysfunction [HR 1.04 (0.80-1.35), p = 0.79].

Conclusion: The ADVANCED study showed the overall risk of complications to intravascular catheters in ICU patients being dysfunction, infection and thrombosis. The 3M™ IV Advanced dressing did not decrease complication rates as compared to standard dressings.

Keywords: Adverse event; Catheter-related complications; Dressing; ICU; Safety.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bandages*
  • Catheter-Related Infections / etiology*
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / adverse effects*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Central Venous Catheters / adverse effects*
  • Delphi Technique
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Intention to Treat Analysis
  • Length of Stay
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Time Factors