Abstract
Background and AimThe use of venous catheters is a widespread practice, especially in oncological and oncohematological units. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in a cohort of patients.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we included all patient carrying PICCs (n = 603) inserted at our institute between October 2010 and December 2013. The main variables collected were medical diagnosis, catheter care, location, duration of catheterization, reasons for catheter removal, complications, and nursing care. Complications were classified as infection, thrombosis, phlebitis, migration, edema, and/or ecchymosis.ResultsAll patients were treated according to the same “nursing care” protocol. The incidence rate of complications was two cases per 1000 days of catheter duration. The most relevant complications were infection and thrombosis, both with an incidence of 0.17 cases per 1000 days of the total catheterization period. The total average duration of catheterization was 170 days [SD 6.06]. Additionally to “end of treatment” (48.42%) and “exitus”, (22.53%) the most frequent cause of removal was migration (displacement towards the exterior) of the catheter (5.80%).ConclusionsPICCs are safe devices that allow the administration of long-term treatment and preserve the integrity of the venous system of the patient. Proper care of the catheter is very important to improve the quality life of patients with oncologic and hematologic conditions. Therefore, correct training of professionals and patients as well as following the latest scientific recommendations are particularly relevant.
Highlights
The use of central venous lines is justified by the need to instill certain treatments in a continuous manner and in large doses
The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in a cohort of patients
PICCs are safe devices that allow the administration of long-term treatment and preserve the integrity of the venous system of the patient
Summary
The use of central venous lines is justified by the need to instill certain treatments in a continuous manner and in large doses. These catheters are essential to modern medical practice, and they are especially necessary when the treatments are vesicants or irritating, such as chemotherapy and some antibiotics. The most frequent indications for their use are the administration of chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, and treatments considered vesicants or irritating [2, 3] These devices are used for patients with complicated venous access, impairment of the lymphatic system, pain during infusion, and fear of venipuncture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in a cohort of patients
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