Brachial Plexus Block Reduces Pain Scores During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement in Neonates and Pediatric Patients Compared to Local Infiltration Anesthesia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Single-Center Study

Abstract

Background: Effective pain management during peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates and pediatric patients remains challenging, often leading to procedural distress and suboptimal outcomes.

Aim: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of brachial plexus block compared to local infiltration anesthesia during peripherally inserted central catheter placement.

Methods: Seventy patients were randomized into two groups: brachial plexus block (Group B) and local infiltration anesthesia (Group C). Procedural pain was assessed using the Comfort Neo Scale at T = 0 min (puncture) and T = 30 min (30 min after the procedure). Secondary outcomes included the first-attempt success rate, procedure time, number of puncture attempts, and rescue analgesic use. All interventions were performed under ultrasonographic guidance. Continuous data are expressed as medians [interquartile range (IQR)].

Results: The median Comfort Neo Scale scores at T = 0 were significantly lower in Group B (6 [6-6]) than in Group C (30 [30-30]; difference: -24, 95% CI: -24 to -24, p < 0.0001). At T = 30, the scores remained lower in Group B (6 [6-6]) than in Group C (22 [12-30]; difference: -16, 95% CI: -19 to -10, p < 0.0001). Group B also demonstrated shorter procedure times (30 [20-30] vs. 40 [30-50] min; difference: -10 min, 95% CI: -20 to -10, p < 0.0001), higher first-attempt success rates (61% vs. 38%; odds ratio: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.03-0.26, p < 0.0001), and fewer puncture attempts (1 [1-2] vs. 2 [1-3]; difference: -1, 95% CI: -2 to 0, p < 0.001). Rescue analgesic use and pain-related movements were significantly reduced in Group B (odds ratio for pain-related movement: ∞, 95% CI: 109-∞, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions: Brachial plexus block provides superior pain relief and procedural outcomes compared to local infiltration anesthesia during peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates and pediatric patients. Its adoption as a standard pain management approach can enhance patient comfort, improve efficiency, and reduce procedural distress. Future studies should explore the broad applicability and long-term benefits of this approach.

Trial registration: Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT): jRCT1010220045.

Keywords: brachial plexus block; pediatric pain management; peripherally inserted central catheter.