Ann Emerg Med

Does skin glue reduce IV catheter failure in children?

April 22, 2025

Adding cyanoacrylate skin glue to standard IV securement doesn't reduce the failure rate of IVs in children in the ED setting. This study highlights the need for further research to identify more effective methods for securing IVs in pediatric patients.

Study details: This randomized trial was conducted in a tertiary-care pediatric ED to evaluate whether cyanoacrylate skin glue reduces IV catheter failure rates in children. Participants included children under 18 years old who were anticipated to be admitted to the hospital. They were randomized to receive either standard IV securement with cloth-bordered transparent polyurethane dressing (control) or the addition of cyanoacrylate glue at the catheter insertion site (intervention).

Results: The study enrolled 557 participants, with 278 in the glue group and 279 in the control group. The primary outcome, IV failure before the completion of the intended treatment course, was observed in 31.3% of both the glue and control groups. Adjusted odds ratio for IV failure was 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.67-1.42), indicating no significant difference between groups. Time to device failure was also similar between groups.

Source:

Chauhan O, et al. (2025, May). Ann Emerg Med. Skin Glue to Reduce Intravenous Catheter Failure in Children. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39797883/