Comparison of neutral and lowered shoulder position on successful right subclavian vein catheterisation in children: An interim analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Objectives: To compare neutral and lowered shoulder position on successful right subclavian vein Catheterisation in children. Materials and Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted on 40 children aged upto 14 years of age in whom central vein catheterization was planned. Patients were randomized using computer generated random numbers into two groups either neutral or lowered shoulder position during subclavian vein puncture and guide wire insertion. Block randomisation was used for allocation into groups. Sequentially numbered opaque sealed envelops were used for allocation concealment. Data on number of attempts, successful catheterization and complications were collected. Results: Both the groups were similar w.r.t age, weight, hight and gender distribution. Rate of successful subclavian catheterization were similar in both the groups [(neutral-90s% versus lowered-95%) with a nonsignificant p-value 0.46].The complication rates were also similar with a p value of 0.18. Conclusion: Both the shoulder positions were associated with similar success rates of subclavian catheterization and complications.