Peripheral i.v. stabilization and the rate of complications in children: an exploratory study.

Peripheral intravascular catheter insertion is the most common invasive procedure performed on the hospitalized child with a significant potential for complications. This study compared complication rates between a standard aseptic taping technique and a commercially-available adhesive anchoring device in 80 hospitalized children ages 2-17 years. Eighteen (18) participants (22.5%) experienced a complication with occlusion being the most common (n=8) followed by infiltration (n=4), leaking (n=3), and dislodgement (n=2). There were no differences in complication rates or types between the two groups. This study provides evidence that a stabilization device may not be necessary in short-duration PIVs in children.