Heparin versus normal saline for the care of peripheral intravenous catheters in children: A meta‐analysis

AIM: To conduct a meta‐analysis to evaluate the role of heparin versus normal saline lock in the care of peripheral intravenous catheters. DESIGN: A meta‐analysis. METHODS: This meta‐analysis searched nine databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on heparin versus normal saline for the care of peripheral intravenous catheters in children up to April 5, 2023. The quality of included RCTs was evaluated using the risk of bias tool of Cochrane library. RevMan5.3 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Ten RCTs with a total of 1255 children were involved. Meta‐analysis indicated that heparin lock reduced the incidence of blockage of peripheral intravenous catheter [OR = 2.01, 95% CI (1.42,2.84), p < 0.001], prolonged the duration of peripheral intravenous catheter indwelling[MD = ‐0.43, 95% CI (−0.75, −0.11), p = 0.008]. There were no statistical differences in the incidence of phlebitis [OR = 1.02, 95% CI (0.59, 1.74), p = 0.95 W]. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Heparin may have more benefits in the nursing care of peripheral intravenous catheters compared with normal saline.