Peripheral Catheter Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Pediatry : Use of Compresses Versus Standard Care

Peripheral venous catheterisation is a multi-daily practice in a paediatric ward.

In our pediatrics department, nurses have observed for several years now the appearance of pressure sore-like skin lesions at the junction of the peripheral venous catheter with the extension tube. A ward habit has spontaneously developed of applying a compress under this junction. The objective is to minimize physical or emotional aggression as well as pain. Pain that is denied or not identified and not relieved is memorized by the child, which can have consequences on the perception of pain and the subsequent acceptance of care.

To date, through their reading and research, investigators have been able to find articles mentioning the risks of pressure ulcers in children related to medical devices. However, few elements are developed concerning catheter-related pressure ulcers, especially on this specific technique for preventing injuries at the catheter-extension tube junction. Investigators have not found any recommendations on this subject.

Thus, the aim of this study is to compare two peripheral venous catheter fixation devices, with compress and without compress, and to analyse the frequency of pressure ulcer occurrence and the intensity of this lesion.

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Key information

Conditions

Pressure Ulcer Skin Diseases Skin Ulcer Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

1 month–18 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

CHD Vendee

La Roche-sur-Yon, 85000, France

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Aged 1 month to 18 years old, according to the criteria of the paediatrics department of the Departmental Hospital la Roche sur Yon .
Hospitalized in paediatrics ward or consultant in paediatric emergencies with a high probability of being hospitalized in paediatrics ward later.
With an indication for the insertion of a short peripheral venous catheter
Written agreement from the holder(s) of parental authority

Exclusion criteria

Children with dermatological affections prior to inclusion and at the puncture site (atopic dermatitis, skin infection, skin wound, chickenpox, epidermolysis bullosa)
Allergy to fixation devices
Known immune deficient child
Refusal of the patient or of the holders of parental authority to participate
Life-saving emergency care
Patient already included in the study
Patient without social security coverage

Treatment and study plan

peripheral venous catheter with compress under the catheter-extension tube junction

Other

Placement of a BD Insyte® type catheter of 20 to 24 Gauge calibre on a peripheral vein located in the crease of the elbow or top of the hand or scalp or top of the foot. The catheter is placed while respecting the detersion and disinfection of the skin with the appropriate products and according to the procedure in force in the department. Once the venous return has been checked, a 10 cm extension with a BECTON-DIC® 3-way valve will be connected, which is previously purged with 0.9% Sodium Chloride. Under the catheter-extension tube junction will be inserted a sterile non-woven compress, cut sterilely (3.5x1.5 cm). The assembly will be held in place by a transparent sterile semi-permeable adhesive dressing such as Tegaderm® (5x7 cm). This area will be secured by placing a crepe bandage (crepe bandage 4 m x7 cm).

peripheral venous catheter without compress under the catheter-extension tube junction

Other

Placement of a BD Insyte® type catheter of 20 to 24 Gauge calibre on a peripheral vein located in the crease of the elbow or top of the hand or scalp or top of the foot. The catheter is placed while respecting the detersion and disinfection of the skin with the appropriate products and according to the procedure in force in the department. Once the venous return has been checked, a 10 cm extension with a BECTON-DIC® 3-way valve will be connected, which is previously purged with 0.9% Sodium Chloride. No compresses will be inserted under the catheter-extension tube junction.The assembly will be held in place by a transparent sterile semi-permeable adhesive dressing such as Tegaderm® (5x7 cm). This area will be secured by placing a crepe bandage (crepe bandage 4 m x7 cm).

Primary outcomes

Pressure Ulcer of Grade >=1 on the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Scale

Time frame: at catheter removal

Occurrence of a pressure ulcer of grade ≥1 according to the NPUAP scale at the catheter extension junction. A higher grade on this scale indicates a worse patient outcome.

The assessment will be performed in a blinded manner by a childcare assistant (CDA) from the department.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Departemental Vendee

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Peripheral Catheter Pressure Ulcer Prevention in Pediatry : Use of Compresses Versus Standard Care"

Acronym: KTESCA

Important dates

Study start: 2020
Primary completion: 2024
Study completion: 2024
First posted: Sep 7, 2020
Registry last updated: Dec 23, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed