Prospective, randomised, double-blind trial of heparin or 0.45% saline infusion through the long line to reduce the incidence of long line sepsis in very low birth-weight infants

INTERVENTION: The trial has started enrolling patients from 1st September 2007. Heparin infusion in long line versus placebo (0.45% saline infusion). CONDITION: Long line infections in very low birth‐weight (VLBW) infants ; Neonatal Diseases ; Sepsis PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Reduction in the rate of long line infections; 2. Increase in the longevity of long lines; 3. Reduction in the number of long lines used; 4. To record any adverse effects e.g. bleeding tendencies associated with the use of heparin SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Reduction in catheter‐related thromboses INCLUSION CRITERIA: Infants admitted to Winnicott Baby Unit (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU]), St Mary's Hospital and born with birth weight <1500 g and who need a long line inserted for any medical indication and for whom written parental consent has been obtained are eligible to enter the study. Each baby can be enrolled only once in the study ‐ the same infant will not be enrolled for the study again if he/she needs another long line inserted and if he/she has already been in the study before.