Femoral venous catheter-related thrombosis in children
Abstract:
Background: Femoral vein catheterization is a common method for infusion therapy in children, but catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) poses a serious threat to patient safety. Identifying the risk factors of femoral vein CRT is important for early prevention; however, related studies remain limited.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of femoral venous CRT in children, thereby providing evidence to inform future research.
Design and methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a provincial and ministerial-level hospital in China. Children who met the criteria from September 2018 to September 2024 were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors for femoral venous CRT.
Results: A total of 1837 children were included, aged 29 days to 11 years (median: 1 year). The incidence of femoral venous CRT was 2.07% (n = 38). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified infectious disease, surgical history, coma, polyurethane catheter material, and catheter dwell time as independent risk factors.
Conclusions: Femoral venous CRT is a significant concern in children. Several clinical and catheter-related factors were identified. These findings may inform evidence-based strategies for preventing pediatric femoral venous CRT.
Implications to practice: Healthcare providers should identify children at high risk for femoral venous CRT and implement targeted interventions. These include infection control, light sedation and early mobilization for postoperative or comatose patients, individualized prophylactic anticoagulation when indicated, and the use of more flexible catheters to meet clinical needs.
Reference:
Ma YY, Yao N, Hou JM, Shi ZK, Zhou X, Zhang JH. Incidence and risk factors of femoral venous catheter-related thrombosis in children: A retrospective cohort study. J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Apr 13;89:67-73. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.04.002. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41985354.