Lock sOlutiOnS for Epicutaneo-caval Catheters in Neonates: a "LOOSEN" Pilot Study

Epicutaneo-caval catheters (ECCs) are widely used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). They are small catheters inserted via superficial veins of the limbs or scalp using direct vein visualization The pathogenic microorganisms colonized inside catheters can easily form a bacterial biofilm and eventually spread with blood flow which causes bloodstream infection [19]. Many authors have studied the antibiotic-lock therapy (ALT) in which a high-dose antibiotic solution is dripped and maintained in the catheter cavity for a certain period and can dissolve the biofilm formed on the wall to reduce the colonization of the bacteria and kill the embedded bacteria.The aim of the study is to evaluate the patency of the Epicutaneo-caval catheter after its closure for 1 hour.

Inclusion Criteria:All the Epicutaneo-caval catheter that need to be removed electively will be included in the study -Exclusion Criteria:All the Epicutaneo-caval catheters removed not electively but for infectious or mechanical complications will be excluded from the study.-