Routine chest X‐ray following ultrasound‐guided internal jugular vein catheterization in critically ill children: A prospective observational Study

Background Recent studies in adults have shown that routine chest X‐ray following ultrasound‐guided central venous catheter insertion through the internal jugular vein is unnecessary due to a low rate of complications. Aims To assess the usefulness of routine chest X‐ray following ultrasound‐guided central venous catheter insertion through the internal jugular veins in critically ill children. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted at a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary, university‐affiliated pediatric medical center. All children under the age of 18 who underwent ultrasound‐guided central venous catheter insertion through the right or left internal jugular vein between May 2018 and November 2019 were evaluated for eligibility. Procedures were prospectively documented, and chest X‐ray was screened for pneumothorax, hemothorax, central venous catheter tip position, and resultant corrective interventions. Results Of 105 central venous catheter insertion attempts, 99 central venous catheters (94.3%) were inserted. All were located within the venous system. None were diagnosed with pneumo/hemothorax on chest X‐ray. Twenty (20.2%; 95% CI 12.8%‐29.5%) were defined as malpositioned by strict criteria; however, only one (1%) was judged significantly misplaced by the clinical team leading to its repositioning. Conclusions In this critically ill pediatric cohort, all central venous catheters inserted under ultrasound guidance could have been used with safety prior to acquiring chest X‐ray. Overall chest X‐ray impacted patient management in only 1% of cases. Our results do not support delaying urgent central venous catheter use pending chest X‐ray completion in critically ill children.