Objectives: To determine the efficacy of low-dose heparin in preventing central catheter occlusion and its safety among neonates. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 42 neonates requiring peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines. The neonates were divided into two groups: low dose heparin (0.5 units/kg/hr =0.2 units/ml) and control group (0.5 units/ml). The efficacy outcomes were duration of catheter patency, completion of catheter use, and the presence of catheter occlusion or thrombosis. The safety outcomes include heparin complications. Results: The study participants had a mean age of 17 days old at 35 weeks gestational age and mean weight of 1.97 kg. The participants given low dose heparin were 36% more likely to complete the use of central line and 12% less likely to develop catheter occlusion. Analyses showed non-statistically significant risk ratio of active bleeding, thrombocytopenia, and deranged prothrombin time in the low dose heparin group. Conclusion The use of low dose heparin (0.5 units/kg/hr = 0.2 units/ml) appears as effective as the control dose in completion of catheter use and prevention of catheter occlusion. There was also no significant difference in the adverse effects. Low dose heparin can be used as continuous infusion for preventing central line occlusion; however, it has no advantage in lowering the risk of complications.
Hemorrhage