Outcomes of upper extremity versus lower extremity placed peripherally inserted central catheters in a medical-surgical neonatal intensive care unit

LE compared with UE PICCs were not associated with worse outcomes in a medical-surgical neonatal population that included a significant proportion of full-term neonates, and provide a valuable alternate site for central venous access. Increased awareness of the types of complications for UE compared with LE PICCs may help focus preventive and surveillance efforts based on PICC location, to improve safety and minimize the complications of NICU PICCs.