Comparing Low-Dose Heparin and Saline to Prevent Blockages in Peripheral Venous Catheters A Randomized Clinical Trial in Hospitalized Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two methods of sealing peripheral venous catheters to see which reduces catheter obstruction more effectively. This randomized, double-blind clinical trial involves 3,450 hospitalized patients at the Hospital Residencia Sant Camil in Catalonia, Spain. The study aims to assess the percentage of catheters removed due to obstruction and also monitors related issues like phlebitis, bacteremia, extravasation, and catheter loss. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will have catheters sealed with 3 mL of low-dose heparin Fibrillin 4, heparin 20UImL, while the other group will use 3 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride normal saline. The sealing process will be monitored throughout the hospital stay, which averages about 10 days. During the study, patients will be observed from the date of randomization until hospital discharge, approximately 10 days. Researchers will track catheter obstruction rates and record secondary outcomes such as catheter-associated phlebitis, bacteremia episodes, extravasation, and catheter loss. The trial includes rigorous safety monitoring and uses a triple-blind design to ensure unbiased assessment of results.

Heparinization vs Salinization of the Peripheral Venous Catheter