Peripheral Intravenous Catheters in Hospitalized Surgical Patients: A US Real-World Data Analysis

Background: Limited evidence exists to evaluate the clinical and economic burden of treating hospitalized surgical patients experiencing peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC)-associated complications. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of PIVC-associated complications and compare the healthcare resource use and cost between surgical inpatients with and without a PIVC-associated complication. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used a large, geographically diverse, hospital-based US database (Premier Healthcare Database). Hospitalized adult (≥18 years) and pediatric (<18 years) patients undergoing a surgery between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2023, without the use of central line access device were included. Results: < .01). Discussion: While the overall prevalence of PIVC-associated complications is around 1%, this still amounts to a significant number of patients as most patients undergoing an inpatient surgical procedure would have a PIVC placed. The study results call for stakeholders to establish a process for decreasing complications related to PIVCs. Conclusions: In both adult and pediatric cohorts, patients with PIVC-associated complications had significantly higher total hospitalization cost, LOS, and 30-day readmission risks than those without complications.