Catheter-related Complications In Patients Research Articles

Effects of self-management education integrated nursing on cancer patients with PICC placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Chemotherapy plays an important role in cancer treatment. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is an important vascular access device used in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Objective: This review entailed an evaluation of the effects of self-management education on the occurrence of complications in patients with PICC placement. Methods: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP database and Chinese Biomedical Literature database were searched for randomised controlled trials on the effects of self-management education on patients with PICC placement. Meta-analysis was performed on the studies meeting the inclusion criteria using RevMan5.4 software. Results: A total of 12 quantitative studies were included in the meta-analysis and the results showed that self-management education reduced the incidence of total catheter-related complications (95% CI (0.17, 0.32), p < 0.00001); catheter dislodgement (95% CI (0.07, 0.40), p < 0.0001); catheter-associated infections (95% CI (0.11,0.41), p < 0.00001); catheter obstruction (95% CI (0.14,0.53), p = 0.0002); phlebitis (95% CI (0.11,0.47), p < 0.0001) and thrombosis (95% CI (0.07,0.57), p < 0.0001) in patients with PICC placement. Conclusion: Available research evidence suggests that self-management education is effective in reducing PICC catheter-related complications in patients with PICC placement. However, more high-quality studies need to be included for analysis.

A retrospective cohort study of implantable venous access port-related and peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with hematological malignancies in China.

We explored the differences in deep venous catheterization-associated complications between patients with hematological malignancies after peripherally inserted central catheter placement and such patients after implantable venous access port catheterization. peripherally inserted central catheters and implantable venous access ports are the most popular devices used for chemotherapy. However, no study has revealed differences between peripherally inserted central catheters and implantable venous access ports in Chinese patients with hematological malignancies. The clinical data of 322 patients with hematological malignancies who were treated from January 1, 2020 to December 30, 2021 were included in a retrospective cohort study. Postoperative color Doppler ultrasonography and follow-up results were used to compare the incidence rates of deep venous catheterization -associated complications after peripherally inserted central catheters and implantable venous access ports catheterization. The relative risk of catheter-related complications considering the type of device was 8.3 (95% CI = 3.0-22.8). In addition, chi-square segmentation analysis revealed a significant difference in the complication rate between the internal jugular vein and the basilic vein (χ2 = 22.002, p < 0.0001) and between the subclavian vein and the basilic vein (χ2 = 28.940, p < 0.0001). Implantable venous access ports are safer than peripherally inserted central catheters for Chinese patients with hematological malignancies. The implantation of implantable venous access ports could be firstly considered for systematic anti-cancer treatment.

Retracted: Prevention and Nursing Research of PICC Catheter-Related Complications in Patients with Digestive System Malignant Tumor Based on Smart Medical Block Chain.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/5519722.].

DELAYED COMPLICATIONS OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER IN PATIENTS UNDERWENT BONE MARROW TRANSPLANTATION IN SULAIMANI CITY/IRAQ

Background: Central venous catheter is essential in the management of patients undergoing bone marrow transplants, however, insertion of it has often the potential of inducing major complications. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess central venous catheter-related complications in patients underwent bone marrow transplants. Methodology: A retrospective study was carried out at Shahid Shaswary Garmian for bone marrow transplantation in Sulaimani City on 112 adult patients who underwent bone marrow transplants from June 2016 to May 2021. The patient's medical records were used to collect data regarding; patients' and CVCs characteristics, intravenous infusions, CVC-related complications; the number and type of complication. Results: The age of 52.7% was between 40-60 years, most of them were male, primary school, and from urban. The medical diagnosis for (43.8%) was multiple myeloma, majority underwent autologous transplant, Hickman line was used for 48.2%, internal jugular vein was a most used vein, the length of stay with a catheter for almost 70% was between 2 to 3 weeks, and the majority had 2 dressing per week, most of the participants received 2 bags of Fresenius, 51.8% received blood, and 92% received platelet. The catheter-related complications occurred in 65.2% of participants, the number and type of complications were varied; 42% had one, 19.6% two, and 3.6% three complications, the proportion of fibrin was 42.9% followed by infection 32.1, occlusion 10.7%, and hematoma 7.1%. The incidence of complications was higher in leukemic patients, who had allogeneic transplants and used Hickman line 88.9%. In addition, using internal jugular vein for insertion 90%, long stay with the catheter (≥ 4 weeks) 89.3% and fewer number of dressing (1 dressing/week) 100% were more problematic. Conclusions: The incidence of central venous catheter-related complications was high, almost two-thirds had at least one complication. The most common complications were fibrin and infection. The incidence of complications affects by patients' medical diagnosis, type of transplant and catheter, vein used for insertion of the catheter, the duration of stay with a catheter, and the number of dressings for catheters sit.

Prevention and Nursing Research of PICC Catheter-Related Complications in Patients with Digestive System Malignant Tumor Based on Smart Medical Block Chain.

Malignant tumors of digestive system mainly include gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, and esophageal cancer, which generally need chemotherapy. PICC refers to peripherally inserted central venous catheter, which plays an important role in the treatment of malignant tumor patients with chemotherapy, and it has the characteristics of high success rate of puncture and reducing the pain of patients. Its principle is to use PICC catheter for drug delivery, which can effectively reduce the pain of tumor patients for multiple puncture, and also can avoid drug extravasation or local stimulation of drugs. However, PICC catheter-related complications cannot be ignored, to some extent, directly affect the treatment effect of patients, and increase the pain and burden of patients. Therefore, this paper proposes a study of PICC catheter-related complications and protective nursing for patients with digestive system cancer based on smart medical block chain. First of all, using the method of literature, this paper deeply studied the combination of smart medicine and block chain and further strengthened the research on PICC catheter-related complications. Based on this, we designed a study on the prevention and nursing of PICC catheter-related complications in patients with digestive system cancer. Before the implementation of nursing, the incidence of complications in patients with digestive system cancer was 17.35%; after the implementation of nursing, the incidence of complications decreased to 4.08%. The purpose of this study is to analyze the causes through clinical research and put forward the protective nursing measures of related diseases, so as to reduce the incidence of PICC-related complications.

Influence of the Insertion Site on Central Venous Catheter-Related Complications in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are extensively used in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In these patients CVC are placed routinely either via the internal jugular vein (IJV) or the subclavian vein (SCV). Purpose of this study was to systematically analyze complications of CVC at different insertion sites in HCT recipients. In this retrospective analysis, all consecutive patients (n=56) who received a CVC (n=101) due to allogeneic HCT at our institution between January 2011 and June 2013 were included. Three-lumen standard, nontunneled CVCs were placed via either the IJV (n=60; 59%) or the SCV (n=41; 41%). Study endpoints were time to local inflammation at the insertion site, time to fever, time to a combined endpoint of inflammation and fever, central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), duration of catheterization, catheter lumen obstruction, deep-vein thrombosis, pneumothorax, and catheter-related death. The median duration of catheterization per CVC was almost identical for the IJV and SCV sites (18 days versus 17 days; P not significant). There were no differences in the frequency of CLABSI, deep-vein thrombosis, pneumothorax, and catheter lumen obstruction between IJV and SCV CVC insertion sites. None of the patients died due to a CVC-related cause. Local inflammation occurred less frequently (48% versus 71%; P = .025) and later (median time to local inflammation, 25 days versus 12 days; P = .01) in IJV CVCs versus SCV CVCs. There was a trend toward a median longer time to the occurrence of fever for IJV CVCs compared with SCV CVCs (20 days versus 13 days; P=.07). In the multivariate analysis, diagnosis of acute leukemia (hazard ratio [HR], 1.696; P = .036), SCV CVC (HR, 1.617; P =.039), and neutropenic CVC-days (HR, 2.477; P = .01) were identified as risk factors for the occurrence of local inflammation or fever. In contrast to earlier studies in patients without hematologic malignancies, these data demonstrate that CVCs placed in the SCV are not superior over IJV CVCs. Moreover, local inflammation occurred earlier and more frequently in patients with an SCV CVC.

Prevalence of idle peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

Increasing studies concern about idle vascular access devices, but still scant data on idle peripherally inserted central catheters. We aimed to assess the prevalence and risks of idle peripherally inserted central catheters in adult patients. A multicenter cross-sectional observational study was performed between April 2018 and July 2018. Patient demographics and peripherally inserted central catheters-related information were abstracted using a site questionnaire by directly inquiring and medical records reviewing right after their peripherally inserted central catheters were removed. Three hundred and fifty-eight patients with peripherally inserted central catheter episodes who met the inclusion criteria were studied. Of the 58,000 total catheter-days recorded, 5311 (9.2%) were considered as idle based on our study criteria. Two hundred and fifty-five (71.2%) patients had at least 1 idle catheter-day with a mean duration of 14.84 (19.31) idle days. The incidence of catheter-related complications in patients with idle peripherally inserted central catheters was lower than that in patients without idle peripherally inserted central catheters, though the difference did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio = 0.635, 95% confidence interval = 0.367-1.099, p = 0.103). In conclusion, idle peripherally inserted central catheters were common in adult patients, but the low risks of catheter-related complications may justify maintaining a peripherally inserted central catheter for further observation when necessary.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-related Complications in Patients with Diabetes: A Retrospective Study

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) related complications are common in catheterization patients. Many patients with PICC catheterization have diabetes mellitus. The data of incidence and risk factors in diabetic patients are scarce. Methods: A retrospective, multicenter study was performed on diabetic patients with PICC insertion from May 2017 to June 2018. A mobile App was used to collect patients and insertion information. We used univariable and multivariable analysis to examine the risk factors of PICC-related complications. Results: A total of 103 diabetic patients were included with 13 (12.6%) patients developed complications. In univariable analysis, marriage (P=0.002), prior surgery (P<0.001) were associated with complications. Following logistic regression analysis, marriage (OR 0.13, 95 CI% 0.03-0.58, P=0.007) and prior surgery (OR 2.30, 95% CI 2.33-42.68, P=0.002) remained to be independent risk factors of complications. Conclusion: For diabetic patients, paying more attention to these who unmarried and have surgery history may reduce the risk of adverse outcome.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-related Complications in Patients with Different Disease Types

Background: Cancer patients or critical patients need reliable vascular access to meet the requirements of transporting therapeutic drugs or nutrients. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used in these patients, however, the incidence of PICC-related complications is high and the data on specific diseases are not yet clear. Methods: We collected geographic characteristics and insertion information of patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, digestive tract tumor and ICU status who underwent PICC during May 2017 to June 2018. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to estimate the risk factors of PICC-related complications. Results: 634 lung cancer, 979 breast cancer, 1453 digestive tract cancer, and 374 ICU status patients were enrolled in the study with 351 (10.2%) developed complications. There was no difference in the distribution of complications among different disease types (P>0.05). Drinking (OR 2.15, 95 CI% 1.05-3.69, P=0.012) and prior surgery (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.05-3.69, P=0.035) were risk factors of breast cancer patients. Prior surgery (OR 2.51, 95% CI 1.54-4.09, P<0.001) and site of PICC (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10-2.23, P=0.014) were the influenced factors of digestive tract tumor patients. Complications of ICU status patients were influenced by smoke (OR 5.83, 95% CI 1.30-26.14, P=0.021) and prior surgery (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.44-8.13, P=0.005). Conclusion: The targeted and reasonable prevention and nursing care should be focused on by medical staff.

Complications of peripherally inserted central catheters in advanced cancer patients undergoing combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

To identify whether patients with advanced cancers were at high risk of peripherall"y inserted central catheter-related complications when treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Peripherally inserted central catheters are widely used in chemotherapy. However, catheter usage may elevate the risks of infections and thrombosis. It is important to identify the patients with high risk of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications. To date, little is known about peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with advanced cancers and receiving concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. Five hundred and sixty-nine cancer patients with advanced cancers and treated by chemo-radiotherapy were analysed in the study. The incidences of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications were investigated. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed for identification of risk factors. Eighty-six (15.1%) patients exhibited peripherally inserted central catheter-related infectious complications, of which 6.3% were local infection, 3.9% were catheter-related bloodstream infection and 4.9% were exit-site infection. Sixty-five (11.4%) developed symptomatic peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis, and 52 (9.1%) were suffering from phlebitis. The overall complication rate was 53.1%. The univariable logistic regression and multivariate analysis showed that comorbidity (OR 1.51, p=.0148) and body mass index (OR 1.46, p=.0157), and duration of radio-chemotherapy (OR 1.4733, p=.0049) were significantly associated with peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications. Patients with peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications showed lower 5-year survival rate than those without peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications. Identification of risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with advanced cancer before catheter usage may play an important role in improvement of the prognosis. Doctors need to be aware of the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in patients with advanced cancers.

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in patients with cystic fibrosis.

BackgroundTo determine complications during outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) administrated through a peripheral venous line, PICC-line or PORT-A-CATH (PAC).MethodsCatheter related complications in patients with cystic fibrosis during OPAT were identified through a retrospective review of patient files supplemented by an interview.ResultsIn 64 treatment episodes with a peripheral venous line, 51 (79.7 %) used bolus injection and 13 (20.3 %) used infusion pump. 27 out of 51 (53.0 %) bolus injection episodes experienced complications, which required removal. None were observed for infusion pump treatments.The infectious complications requiring removal of peripheral venous line were 9 out of 23 (39.1 %) for the PICC line and 11 out of 26 (42.3 %) for the PAC.No anaphylaxis was observed during the OPAT treatments.ConclusionsOur data indicate that using an infusion pump to administer the antibiotic treatment minimized peripheral venous line complications. The frequency of complications leading to removal of the catheter is about the same for PICC-lines and PACs, but the average life-time of the latter is much longer. Allergic reactions are not a major problem.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-015-1019-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of decreased heparin dose for flush‐lock of implanted venous access ports in pediatric oncology patients

Faced with a lack of evidence, institutions often develop local protocols for use of heparin to flush-lock venous access ports. Our objective was to evaluate catheter-related complications in patients after introduction of a lower-concentration heparin flush protocol. Patients with implanted vascular access devices followed by a Pediatric Oncology service were exposed to a practice change in which heparin dose for flush-lock was decreased from 5 ml of 100 units/ml to 5 ml of 10 units/ml. Outcome measures included port malfunctions leading to use of intra-port tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), and positive blood cultures. Rates of tPA usage were statistically similar before and after the practice change (0.82 compared to 0.59 per 100 line days absolute change -0.23, 95% CI -0.66, 0.20). Positive blood culture rates were also statistically similar before and after the practice change. Children with implanted ports had similar complication rates and care safety measures whether their ports were flushed with 10 units/ml of heparin or 100 units/ml. Standardizing flush-locks to lower doses of heparin may be a promising approach to maintaining port patency without compromising patient safety.

Incidence of catheter-related complications in patients with central venous or hemodialysis catheters: a health care claims database analysis

BackgroundCentral venous catheter (CVC) and hemodialysis (HD) catheter usage are associated with complications that occur during catheter insertion, dwell period, and removal. This study aims to identify and describe the incidence rates of catheter-related complications in a large patient population in a United States-based health care claims database after CVC or HD catheter placement.MethodsPatients in the i3 InVision DataMart® health care claims database with at least 1 CVC or HD catheter insertion claim were categorized into CVC or HD cohorts using diagnostic and procedural codes from the US Renal Data System, American College of Surgeons, and American Medical Association’s Physician Performance Measures. Catheter-related complications were identified using published diagnostic and procedural codes. Incidence rates (IRs)/1000 catheter-days were calculated for complications including catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), thrombosis, embolism, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), major bleeding (MB), and mechanical catheter–related complications (MCRCs).ResultsThirty percent of the CVC cohort and 54% of the HD cohort had catheter placements lasting <90 days. Catheter-related complications occurred most often during the first 90 days of catheter placement. IRs were highest for CRBSIs in both cohorts (4.0 [95% CI, 3.7-4.3] and 5.1 [95% CI, 4.7-5.6], respectively). Other IRs in CVC and HD cohorts, respectively, were thrombosis, 1.3 and 0.8; MCRCs, 0.6 and 0.7; embolism, 0.4 and 0.5; MB, 0.1 and 0.3; and ICH, 0.1 in both cohorts. Patients with cancer at baseline had significantly higher IRs for CRBSIs and thrombosis than non-cancer patients. CVC or HD catheter–related complications were most frequently seen in patients 16 years or younger.ConclusionsThe risk of catheter-related complications is highest during the first 90 days of catheter placement in patients with CVCs and HD catheters and in younger patients (≤16 years of age) with HD catheters. Data provided in this study can be applied toward improving patient care.

Factors associated with early peritoneal dialysis catheter replacement in Veracruz, Mexico.

Catheter-related complications in patients on peritoneal dialysis lead to decreased effectiveness and discontinuation of the technique, conversion to haemodialysis, hospitalisation, and surgical interventions to replace the catheter. Determine risk factors for early catheter dysfunction that result in the need for replacement. We analysed 235 catheters placed by open surgery using an infra-umbilical midline incision. Possible risk factors included the following: age, sex, body mass index, body surface area, diabetes, polycystic kidney disease, previous surgery, time of surgical procedure, omentectomy, omentopexy, wound infection and postoperative incisional hernia. During the first year, 47 patients (20%) required a catheter replacement due to poor function. The most common complications were catheter migration and peritonitis (4.3% in both cases), followed by obstruction from omental wrapping (3.7%). Univariate analysis showed that patients with catheter dysfunction or requiring catheter replacement were younger, with a lower body mass index and body surface area (P<.05). There was a significant association of wound infection and post-operative incisional hernia with catheter replacement. Omentectomy was associated with a low incidence rate of catheter dysfunction/replacement in the univariate and logistical regression analyses (odds ratio: 0.275; 95% confidence interval: 0.101-0.751; P<.012). Our catheter placement technique offers a low complication rate and good results in the first year after surgery. Except for omentectomy, we did not discover any risk factors for catheter replacement in our study population. Omentectomy had a protective effect in terms of catheter replacement.

Immediate Initiation of CAPD following Percutaneous Catheter Placement without Break-in Procedure

To evaluate the effect of a modified method of percutaneous catheter placement without a break-in procedure on the development of catheter-related complications in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). A prospective, observational clinical study. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) units of two university-based hospitals. This study included 51 consecutive patients on CAPD. A straight double-cuffed Tenckhoff catheter with a straight intraperitoneal segment was used, and all catheters were inserted using a modified percutaneous placement method under local anesthesia. The catheter was introduced directly into the deep pelvis through an intramuscular tract, which had been created by tapered dilators. Peritoneal dialysis was initiated immediately after catheter insertion without a break-in procedure. Catheter-related complications were surveyed during the 12 months after initiation of CAPD. Within the first month, only 1 pericatheter leakage (1.9%) was detected. There were no cases of visceral perforation or severe hemorrhage during catheter insertions. Catheter malfunction due to catheter tip migration, exit-site infection, and peritonitis developed in only 1.9%, 3.9%, and 3.9% of patients, respectively. After 1 month following catheter insertion, no further incidences of pericatheter leakage occurred during the follow-up period. All catheters, except one that was reinserted due to tip migration, survived throughout the study period. The rates of pericatheter leakage and other catheter-related complications are relatively low in CAPD patients using our percutaneous catheter placement method without a break-in procedure. This procedure is comparatively simple and less invasive than other catheter placement methods, and allows for immediate start of PD after catheter insertion, without a break-in procedure.

Central Venous Catheter-related Complications in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Prophylactic Measures

We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of thrombotic and infectious complications in relation with the use of central venous catheters (CVCs), in a series of patients with hematological malignancies and low platelet and leucocyte counts.Patients and Methods: 126 patients with hematological malignancies were analyzed. A total of 207 CVCs were implanted: 137 centrally (CICCs) and 70 peripherally (PICCs). The median duration of the CVCs was 19 days for a total of 4051 catheter-days. Antithrombotic prophylaxis was unfractionated heparin (UFH), 2,500 IU daily by 24 h continuous infusion in 169 CVCs, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), 3,800 IU daily by single bolus intravenous injection (i.v.) in 21 and warfarin in one. No prophylaxis was given in 16 CVCs. Thrombotic complications developed in 15.5% of the CVCs (7.9 events/1000 catheter days), and the frequency of infectious complications was 10.6% (5.2 events/1000 catheter days). On multivariate analysis thromboses were more frequent and earlier with PICCs than CICCs (p = 0.0001). and in patients on UFH (16.6%) than in LMWH prophylaxis (4.7%), but the last difference was not statistically significant. In conclusions the incidence of thrombotic complications in our series was comparable to that observed in non-thrombocytopenic patients and was significantly higher in those carrying PICC than CICC (p = 0.0001). There were fewer thrombotic events in the patients receiving i.v. LMWH prophylaxis than in those receiving i.v. UFH. The use of anticoagulants was safe and not associated with hemorrhages.

Central Venous Catheter-related Complications in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: A Retrospective Analysis of Risk Factors and Prophylactic Measures

We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of thrombotic and infectious complications in relation with the use of central venous catheters (CVCs), in a series of patients with hematological malignancies and low platelet and leucocyte counts.Patients and Methods: 126 patients with hematological malignancies were analyzed. A total of 207 CVCs were implanted: 137 centrally (CICCs) and 70 peripherally (PICCs). The median duration of the CVCs was 19 days for a total of 4051 catheter-days. Antithrombotic prophylaxis was unfractionated heparin (UFH), 2,500 IU daily by 24 h continuous infusion in 169 CVCs, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), 3,800 IU daily by single bolus intravenous injection (i.v.) in 21 and warfarin in one. No prophylaxis was given in 16 CVCs. Thrombotic complications developed in 15.5% of the CVCs (7.9 events/1000 catheter days), and the frequency of infectious complications was 10.6% (5.2 events/1000 catheter days). On multivariate analysis thromboses were more frequent and earlier with PICCs than CICCs (p = 0.0001). and in patients on UFH (16.6%) than in LMWH prophylaxis (4.7%), but the last difference was not statistically significant. In conclusions the incidence of thrombotic complications in our series was comparable to that observed in non-thrombocytopenic patients and was significantly higher in those carrying PICC than CICC (p = 0.0001). There were fewer thrombotic events in the patients receiving i.v. LMWH prophylaxis than in those receiving i.v. UFH. The use of anticoagulants was safe and not associated with hemorrhages.

Use of a Fully Implantable Drug Delivery System in the Treatment of Acute Leukemias and Disseminated Lymphomas

In an open study, 42 venous Port-A-Cath systems (PAC) were implanted in 40 patients with AML (12), ALL/AUL (11), NHL with bone marrow infiltration (8), Hodgkin's lymphoma (3), solid tumors (5) and severe aplastic anemia (1). Mean duration of system use was 212 days. The cumulated duration of use of all systems was 8.883 days. 1,627 blood samples were taken from the PAC. Blood sampling was possible on 8,696 of 8,883 days of cumulated access (98%). A total of 522 blood transfusions were administrated. Fifty-two episodes of neutropenia (granulocyte counts less than 0.5 x 10(9)/l) with a mean duration of 17 days were observed in the group of the 23 patients with acute leukemias. A total of 25 complications were registered. The incidence was 2.8/1,000 days of access. Twelve complications were regarded as severe. Venous thrombosis was observed in 3 cases. In addition, there were 2 disruptions of the catheter, 1 disconnection, 1 looping and 4 local infections. The rate of systemic infection could not be accurately estimated because the catheter was always left in place and antibiotic treatment was started immediately in case of fever with or without bacteriemia. The overall rate of catheter-related complications in patients with acute leukemia was not higher than in patients with solid tumors.

Catheter-related complications in patients receiving home parenteral nutrition.

Twenty-seven patients (22 adults, five adolescents, and one child) were treated with home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for 662 patient-months. A Broviac Silastic right atrial catheter which is tunnelled subcutaneously down the anterior chest wall served as a venous access. Thirty-four catheters were used in 27 patients, and the mean catheter life spans to date for adults and adolescents have been 21 and 14 months, respectively. There were no deaths attributable to the catheters. Infections and damaged external catheter segments were clustered in adult patients, whereas serious mechanical problems occurred in adolescents. Five of 27 patients (19%) experienced septicemia and one patient had two episodes. These six episodes (five of Staphylococcus aureus, one of Candida parapsilosis) in 662 patient-months represented only one case of sepsis every 9.1 patient-years on HPN. The external segments of 12 catheters were damaged and all were repaired in the outpatient setting. Eight of nine major mechanical problems occurred in five adolescents and one child; the most serious being four intravascular displacements, one extravascular displacement with mediastinitis, and a fractured catheter with a retained intravascular catheter segment. Although the HPN catheter is associated with definite risks, there has been a very acceptable incidence of complications resulting in a high benefit-to-risk ratio for HPN.

Catheter-related Complications in Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition

Twenty-seven patients (22 adults, five adolescents, and one child) were treated with home parenteral nutrition (HPN) for 662 patient-months. A Broviac® Silastic right atrial catheter which is tunnelled subcutaneously down the anterior chest wall served as a venous access. Thirty-four catheters were used in 27 patients, and the mean catheter life spans to date for adults and adolescents have been 21 and 14 months, respectively. There were no deaths attributable to the catheters. Infections and damaged external catheter segments were clustered in adult patients, whereas serious mechanical problems occurred in adolescents. Five of 27 patients (19%) experienced septicemia and one patient had two episodes. These six episodes (five ofStaphylococcus aureus, one ofCandida parapsilosis) in 662 patient-months represented only one case of sepsis every 9.1 patient-years on HPN. The external segments of 12 catheters were damaged and all were repaired in the outpatient setting. Eight of nine major mechanical problems occurred in five adolescents and one child; the most serious being four intravascular displacements, one extravascular displacement with mediastinitis, and a fractured catheter with a retained intravascular catheter segment. Although the HPN catheter is associated with definite risks, there has been a very acceptable incidence of complications resulting in a high benefit-to-risk ratio for HPN.