A Cochrane review included 2 studies with a total of 287 children (aged 1 day to 16 years). There was no difference in the duration of catheter patency between heparin-bonded and non-heparin bonded catheters (median duration 7 days versus 6 days) reported in one study (n=200). There was no difference in the risk of catheter-related thrombosis (table ). Data from one study revealed a statistically non-significant reduction in the risk of catheter occlusion. Catheter-related blood stream infections and catheter colonization were reduced in the heparin-bonded catheter group. The second study did not report on these outcomes. There was no significant difference in risk of thrombocytopenia after catheter placement.
| Outcome | Relative effect (95% CI) | Assumed risk (Non heparin-bonded catheter) | Corresponding risk (Heparin-bonded catheter; 95% CI) | Participants (studies) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Statistical heterogeneity I2=80% | ||||
| Catheter-related thrombosis at any time during catheter stay | RR 0.34 (0.01 to 7.68) * | 175 per 1000 | 59 per 1000 (2 to 1 344) | 287 (2 studies) |
| Occlusion of catheter within one week of catheter insertion | RR 0.06 (0.00 to 1.07) | 78 per 1000 | 5 per 1000 (0 to 83) | 200 (1 study) |
| Catheter-related blood stream infection and CVC-related colonization | RR 0.06 (0.01 to 0.41) | 184 per 1000 | 11 per 1000 (2 to 75) | 200 (1 study) |
| Side effects: Thrombocytopenia after catheter insertion | RR 0.73 (0.38 to 1.39) | 133 per 1000 | 97 per 1000 (50 to 185) | 287 (2 studies) |
Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by inconsistency (variability of results across studies) and by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals). Clinically important outcome of mortality was not reported. Further studies are needed to establish safety.