Double-lumen catheter is a risk factor for complications of peripherally inserted central venous catheters in children

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) are useful for children because of the high burden of vascular puncture, no guidelines exist for PICC in terms of insertion site, blood vessel, and type of catheter. We investigated the risk factors of complications during PICC placement in pediatric patients. MethodsWe analyzed the medical records of children who were admitted to the Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital and had PICCs inserted between January 2016 and December 2020. A total of 92 patients with 141 PICCs (age at insertion: 0–18 years, average PICC per patient: 1.48) were analyzed. The median duration of indwelling catheter use was 49 days (interquartile range: 24–80 days). Exposures are patient characteristics (age, weight, primary disease) and variables that the surgeons have choices for during the clinical procedure, such as inserted vessel, inserted part, catheter diameter, catheter lumen, and catheter type (open or closed end). Multilevel logistic regression, considering the correlation among multiple PICCS within a patient, was performed. ResultsForty-four PICCs (31%) were removed because of catheter-related complications (18 suspected infections, 9 occlusions, 7 breakages, 6 dislodgements, and 4 phlebitis). Double-lumen catheters were significantly positively associated with complications (odds ratio: 3.91; 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 14.9) after adjusting for all covariates. The other factors were not significantly associated with the occurrence of complications. ConclusionsDouble-lumen PICCs were associated with complications. The double lumen is useful for the simultaneous administration of multiple drugs, but cases should be carefully monitored.