Association of umbilical venous catheters vs peripherally inserted central catheters with death or severe intraventricular hemorrhage among preterm infants < 30 weeks: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are routinely inserted in preterm infants for total parenteral nutrition and medications. We aimed to examine whether the rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) or death vary among preterm infants receiving UVCs compared to PICCs.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial included preterm infants < 30 weeks gestation assigned after birth to either UVC placement group or PICC group.