The Teflon intravenous catheter: incidence of phlebitis and duration of catheter life in the neonatal patient.

The risks and benefits of intravenous therapy for neonatal patients have not been adequately evaluated. A study was conducted to assess the duration of life of the Teflon catheter used for intravenous therapy in neonates, the incidence of phlebitis associated with this catheter, and the factors which contribute to catheter life and phlebitis. Seventy-two neonates undergoing intravenous therapy with the Teflon catheter were studied. Study results indicated a mean catheter life of 30.1 hours, with 33 of the 72 catheters lasting less than 24 hours. Erythema occurred in 32 cases and phlebitis occurred in 5 cases. Of 19 predictor variables studied, low level of activity and administration of blood transfusion through the catheter were positively correlated with duration of catheter life. The Teflon catheter offers a reasonable though limited means for intravascular access in neonates.