Effects of low-dose heparin on failure of intravenous infusions in children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a dextrose-saline solution manufactured under commercial conditions and containing 1 IU per ml of heparin prolongs the use of infusion sites in children. DESIGN: Double-blind randomized trial. PATIENTS: Eighty children in a medical ward. Outcome Measures: Failure of infusion sites from phlebitis and/or extravasation. Intervention: Duration of use of infusion sites was calculated to the nearest hour. Statistics: Univariate survival analysis. RESULTS: The median time to failure when solutions contained the heparin (97 hours) was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared with control solutions (43 hours). CONCLUSIONS: Use of solutions containing low-dose heparin is recommended for children who might have problems with venous access.