Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Central Venous Assessment in the Emergency Department A Prospective Study Comparing the Femoral and Internal Jugular Veins

Lori Pandya, Michael Cooper, Nishit Patel, David Leonard, Neil Fernandes, Dave Spear, Jo Ann Nesiama

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to estimate thewidth, height, and depth of the femoral vein (FV) and internal jugular vein (IJV), both sites of potential central line placement in children, using point-of-care ultrasound. Methods: This was a prospective observational study. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to measure the width, height, and depth of the right FVand IJV in 100 children. The primary outcome was a comparison of the widths of the FVand the IJV in the same child. Our primary hypothesis was that the IJV would be wider than the FV. Secondary outcome measures included comparison of the heights and depths the FVand IJV and description of vessel overlap frequency between the 2 sites. Results: A total of 106 children were enrolled, with 6 subjects excluded, and equally divided into 5 age groups (0-30 days, 1-24months, 2-5 years, 6-11 years, and 12-17 years). The FV/IJV width ratios (95% confidence interval) by age were 0.58 (0.49-0.68), 0.53 (0.43-0.66), 0.57 (0.49-0.67), 0.68 (0.55-0.85), and 0.73 (0.62-0.85), all P < 0.002. The FV/IJV height ratioswere <1 in all age groups, with P < 0.003 in the 4 youngest age groups. The FV/IJV depth ratios were >1 in 6 to 11 years (P = 0.018) and 12 to 17 years (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The IJV was significantly wider and taller than the FV in the same child in all age groups. The FV was significantly deeper than the IJV in children 6 years and older. This supports the use of the IJV as a potential site when placing ultrasound-guided central lines in children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E278-E282
JournalPediatric emergency care
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

Keywords

  • Central line
  • Central vein
  • Ultrasound

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Emergency Medicine

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