Heparinised Saline versus Normal Saline in Maintaining Patency of Arterial and Central Venous Catheters:

摘要

Introduction:Heparin has been used in flush solutions in attempts to prolong the patency of arterial and central venous pressure monitoring lines. Its use however is not without risks such as hypersensitivity reactions and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Recent studies suggest that non-heparinised solutions may be as effective in maintaining catheter patency. Our aim is to determine if there is any difference in maintaining patency of arterial and central venous pressure monitoring lines using normal saline as compared to heparinised saline.Methods:In this randomised controlled trial, patients were randomised to receive either heparinised saline or normal saline flush solutions. Randomisation was achieved using sealed opaque envelopes. Only nurses who had been specially trained in the care of catheters cared for the lines. Data was collected at 8-hour intervals for up to 120 hours post-insertion on acceptability of arterial waveform and presence of backflow of blood in the arterial and central venous li...