5. Conclusions
bleeding, catheter occlusion
BLEEDING, HYPOCALCEMIA
In this prospective, triple-blind, randomized, parallel-group, standard-controlled, single-center trial, the efficacy and safety of 4% sodium citrate are demonstrated as a tube locking solution. In ICU patients receiving CVCs infusion, the use of 4% sodium citrate to lock the catheter can reduce the risk of bleeding and catheter occlusion without the occurrence of hypocalcemia.Our work show that the 4% sodium citrate is possible to replace heparin as a tube-locking solution for CVCs (excluding dialysis catheters). Hence, we propose that additional prospective studies be done, which (i) use the same primary outcome, (ii) allow broader inclusion criteria, and (iii) involve multiple centres.