This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in newborns undergoing infusion therapy using a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

A prospective cohort of 281 newborns who underwent installation of 483 PICCs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was followed from catheter insertion until 72 h after removal.

Risk factors were assessed by analyzing the association between variables using the chi-square test and relative risk (RR) using the Poisson regression model. The significance level was 5%.

Most of the patients were preterm infants with inadequate weight, respiratory disorders, and heart disease, but these variables were not associated with CRBSI.

There was a significant association between CRBSI and PICC insertion in the upper limbs of newborns who received infusion therapy in the NICU (RR = 2.84; 95% confidence interval 1.02–6.85).