Abstract:
Objective: To identify risk factors associated with peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) complications in cats hospitalized in the critical care unit (CCU).
Animals: 120 cats admitted to the CCU between October 2022 and September 2023.
Methods: This prospective, observational study was performed at a single veterinary teaching hospital. Cats hospitalized in the CCU for ≥ 24 hours were evaluated for enrollment. Peripheral intravenous catheters were placed by trained personnel following a standardized protocol and monitored for complications. PIVC complications were classified as extravasation, phlebitis, dislodgement, occlusion, line breakage, or patient removal.
Results: Median PIVC dwell time was 42.25 hours (range, 24.25 to 164.25 hours). Overall PIVC complication rate was 18.3% (22/120), with extravasation (7/120 [5.8%]) and dislodgement (7/120 [5.8%]) being the most frequently recorded complications. Multivariable analysis identified that for each kilogram increase in body weight there is a higher likelihood of a PIVC complication (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.05; P = .03). Additionally, use of a larger-gauge (20-gauge vs 22-gauge) PIVC is associated with a significantly lower likelihood of a PIVC complication (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.56; P = .006).
Clinical relevance: These results suggest that smaller-gauge (22-gauge) PIVCs and greater body weights are associated with an increased risk of complications in cats hospitalized in the CCU. When possible, a larger-gauge (20-gauge) PIVC should be placed in cats admitted to the CCU.
Reference:Granger KL, Zersen KM, Guieu L. Smaller-gauge catheters and greater body weights are associated with increased risk of peripheral intravenous catheter complications in cats hospitalized in the critical care unit. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Apr 10:1-8. doi: 10.2460/javma.23.12.0717. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38599236.