The infrared-assisted peripheral intravenous catheterization in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: The peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is an important strategy for the treating the illness of pediatric patients. However, the success rate of traditional PIVC method, such as the landmark technique, might be significantly variable and unstable. The near infrared-assisted PIVC might be another option and the results can be revealed by a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT). Methods: A systematic search and a meta-analysis for the RCT of near infrared-assisted PIVC on pediatric patients. The near infrared-assisted and traditional PIVC was compared to evaluate the first time success rate, number of attempts, and attempt duration. Seven RCT studies and total 1068 pediatric patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The subgroup analysis of vessel grade difficulty was also performed. Results: The near infrared-assisted PIVC showed a significantly higher odds ratio of first time success rate when compared to traditional PIVC. In addition, the number of attempts and attempt duration were significantly reduced in the group of near infrared-assisted PIVC. At last, the subgroup analysis of vessel grade difficultly showed that the first time success rate was borderline significantly increased in the subgroup of difficult vessel grade. In addition, the number of attempts was significantly reduced in the subgroup of difficult vessel grade. Conclusions: The near infrared-assisted PIVC might be an option for the PIVC on pediatric patients. The advantages of increased first time success rate and decreased number of attempts and attempt duration should be considered by the clinicians and nurses.