Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Medicine (MMed)
First Advisor
Dr Sean Del-Rossi Quadros
Second Advisor
Dr Angela Migowa
Third Advisor
Dr Anthony Ngugi
Department
Paediatrics and Child Health (East Africa)
Abstract
Introduction: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in clinical practice and are a major source of procedure-related pain in children. Their use is associated with complications including occlusion, dislodgement, infiltration, extravasation, phlebitis, and, rarely, bloodstream infections.
Objectives: To determine the incidence and risk factors associated with PIVC complications among paediatric patients aged 1 day to 18 years at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. The study also assessed the average survival time of PIVCs.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 320 PIVCs among 192 children admitted between August and October 2024. Data collected included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and PIVC usage. Observations continued until a complication or elective removal occurred. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, calculation of incidence, Cox regression to identify risk factors, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves to estimate complication-free duration. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The incidence rate of complications was 13.08 (95% CI: 12.86-13.30) per 1,000 cannula hours. A total of 161 complications (50.31%) occurred among 94 children (48.96%). These included infiltration (30.43%), dislodgement (22.36%), occlusion (21.74%), phlebitis (18.63%), and extravasation (6.83%). Significant risk factors included administration of intravenous antibiotics (p = 0.001), neurodevelopmental diagnoses (p = 0.010), increasing rank of cannula per patient (p < 0.001), and shorter duration of antibiotic therapy (p = 0.008). IV fluid administration was a significant risk factor for infiltration (p = 0.006). The median PIVC survival time was 50 hours (95% CI: 47–62), with neonates showing longer dwell times than children aged 1–5 years (p = 0.018).
Conclusion: PIVC complications are common in paediatric inpatients. Both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors were identified. Strengthening adherence to PIVC care protocols could help reduce complications and prolong cannula lifespan.
First Page
1
Last Page
84
Recommended Citation
Ogega, V. M.
(2025). Incidence of Peripheral Intravenous Cannula complications and associated factors among paediatric patients at a Tertiary-Care Referral Hospital. , 1-84.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/etd_ke_mc_mm-paeds/37