Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Insertion Research Articles

The effects of maternal voice on pain during placement of peripherally inserted central catheter in neonates.

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) are a necessary procedure for preterm newborns care. Despite the use of analgesic treatments, its insertion can be painful. Our objective was to study the effect of maternal voice on pain during PICC insertion. We conducted a pre post study for 2 years. Pain was compared between the two groups (with/without maternal presence) using a neonatal pain scale (FANS). Infection rate, procedure time, number of failures, mothers' anxiety and caregivers'anxiety were compared between the two groups. Ninety neonates were eligible. Finally, 63 neonates were included. Thirty-four placements were realized without maternal voice (first period) and 29 with maternal voice (second period). Mean FANS during PICC placement was lower in the maternal voice group than in the control group (1.15 ± 1.27 vs. 1.41 ± 1.49, p = 0.033). The FANS was also lower in the maternal voice group during the time of the first cutaneous effraction (p = 0.032). There was no significant difference between the two groups concerning the other outcomes. Maternal voice added to conventional care decreased acute pain during PICC insertion without increasing infection rate, number of failures or procedure time.

Effectiveness of a nurse-led peripherally inserted central catheter service: A retrospective cohort study.

A multitude of challenges arises from the growing utilisation of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), including the ability to provide timely, effective and safe insertion, which must be ensured and prioritised in patient care. A nurse-led model of care has become more prevalent as PICCs become extensively needed due to their applications. However, despite their widespread use, such intervention is yet in its inception in Saudi Arabia, and thereby, evaluating the outcomes of this service is of utmost importance to support patient safety initiatives and quality of care. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led PICC placement service. A quantitative retrospective cohort design was used. The sample of this study was 333 random subsets of records on PICC insertion for adult patients between 1st April 2019 and 31st March 2023 in a tertiary medical facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A nurse-led PICC service demonstrated an overall successful placement of 330 cases (99.1%), out of which 323 PICCs (97%) were successfully inserted under intra-cavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) guidance, while 7 PICCs (2.1%) were successfully inserted with fluoroscopy. The overall complication rate was 2.35 occurrences per 1000 CL days, whereas the complication rate within the first 10 days after PICC insertion was 0.42 per 1000 CL days. A nurse-led model for PICC insertion has remarkably high success rates and low rates of complication, highlighting the pivotal role of a specialised PICC team. This service boasted a commendable track record of achieving a high rate of success in its implementation, implying that a nurse-led PICC service operates effectively to improve the patient experience by delivering timely and high-quality healthcare service.

Association Between Systemic Immune Inflammation Indexes and DVT in Patients With Malignancy Requiring PICC Insertion.

Background: In order to reduce the risk of leakage of cytotoxic agents, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are widely used in patients diagnosed with malignancy before chemotherapy. While inflammation has been demonstrated to be associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the connection between systemic immune inflammation indexes and the formation of PICC-DVT remains unclear. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the association between PICC-DVT and systemic immune inflammation indexes including platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI). Methods: From August 2018 to October 2021, we enrolled consecutive patients diagnosed with malignancy who underwent PICC implantation before chemotherapy. DVT was assessed using color Doppler ultrasonography. Results: Among the 513 patients, 57 patients (11.1%) developed PICC-DVT. The optimal cutoff values for PLR, SII and SIRI were 260.1, 1318.7, and 2.7, respectively. Based on the multiple logistic regression analysis, correlations were found between PICC-DVT and elevated PLR (p = .014), SII (p = .012), and SIRI (p = .022). Patients with malignancy having higher values of PLR, SII or SIRI tended to be more likely to develop PICC-DVT. Conclusions: The systemic immune inflammation indexes increases the risk of PICC-DVT and could be used as auxiliary predictive tests for PICC-DVT.

Comparing conventional and modified Seldinger techniques using a micro-insertion kit for PICC placement in neonates: a retrospective cohort study.

This study aims to assess the comparative effectiveness of a conventional splitting needle or a peelable cannula vs. the modified Seldinger technique (MST) by utilizing a dedicated micro-insertion kit across various clinically significant metrics, including insertion success, complications, and catheter-related infections. We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study using an anonymized data set spanning 3 years (2017-2019) in a large tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit in Qatar. A total of 1,445 peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion procedures were included in the analysis, of which 1,285 (89%) were successful. The primary indication for insertion was mainly determined by the planned therapy duration, with the saphenous vein being the most frequently selected blood vessel. The patients exposed to MST were generally younger (7 ± 15 days vs. 11 ± 26 days), but exhibited similar mean weights and gestational ages. Although not statistically significant, the MST demonstrated slightly higher overall and first-attempt insertion success rates compared to conventional methods (91 vs. 88%). However, patients undergoing conventional insertion techniques experienced a greater incidence of catheter-related complications (p < 0.001). There were 39 cases of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in the conventional group (3.45/1,000 catheter days) and eight cases in the MST group (1.06/1,000 catheter days), indicating a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Throughout the study period, there was a noticeable shift toward the utilization of the MST kit for PICC insertions. The study underscores the viability of MST facilitated by an all-in-one micro kit for neonatal PICC insertion. Utilized by adept and trained inserters, this approach is associated with improved first-attempt success rates, decreased catheter-related complications, and fewer incidences of CLABSI. However, while these findings are promising, it is imperative to recognize potential confounding factors. Therefore, additional prospective multicenter studies are recommended to substantiate these results and ascertain the comprehensive benefits of employing the all-in-one kit.

Case series of peripherally inserted central catheter insertion in young children: A new approach to the axillary vein.

We have developed a new approach for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion that we think has several advantages, including ease of insertion, access to a larger vein and patient comfort. In this case series report, the first 19 cases were audited. All PICCs were inserted without complications; 17 on the first attempt. We conclude that the novel approach to the axillary vein for PICC insertion is feasible and appears to be safe when performed by an experienced operator.

The Outcomes of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Insertion in Pediatric Patients at Siriraj Hospital

Objective: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) are widely used for intermediate to long term venous access. Venipunctures and catheterizations in pediatric patients can be challenging and traumatizing to children’s veins due to frequent and painful needle sticks. This study aims to demonstrate the outcomes of PICC insertion and management in pediatric patients by the Anesthesia Line Service Team (ALiST) at Siriraj Hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive study collecting data from January 2018 to December 2021. The inclusion criteria were pediatric patients aged 15 years and under, body weight equal to or exceeding 5 kg with no history of previous complicated central venous accesses. The primary outcome is the success rate of insertion. Results: 124 PICCs were inserted in pediatric patients. The median age of patients was 5.0 years, with a median height of 107.8 cm, and a median weight of 10.0 kg. The successful insertion rate was 96.92%, and all insertions were inserted using ultrasound-guided technique, with or without fluoroscopy. No acute complications were noted during insertion. Most patients received either intravenous sedation (39.5%) or general anesthesia (26.6%) during the procedure. The mean duration of catheter indwelling was 66.48 days. Reasons for removal of PICC included completion of therapy and patient demise (70.97%), catheter malformation (8.06%), accidental removal (4.03%), infection (8.06%), and patient non-adherence (1.61%). Conclusion: Our research demonstrates a notably high rate of successful PICC placement among pediatric patients, with data indicating a minimal occurrence of complications and an extended duration of catheter usage.

Placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates: A retrospective study.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in neonatal intensive care units for extended intravenous nutrition and therapy. The selection of PICCs insertion sites can significantly influence insertion outcomes and neonatal safety. This study aimed to determine the most suitable insertion site in the lower extremities for neonatal PICCs. A retrospective case note review was conducted on PICCs inserted through lower extremity (LE) sites in a 40-bed tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit at a university teaching hospital. The dates when data were accessed for research purposes were from June 2019 to June 2022. In total, 223 neonates were identified as having had PICCs, with 254 catheters inserted in the lower extremities. The STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this study. Neonates underwent PICC insertion via the LE vein, with an overall complication rate of 13.4% and a one-attempt success rate of puncture of 86.2%. The rates of complications, catheter occlusion, and catheter-related infection in the PICC group with insertion through the great saphenous vein were significantly lower than those in the femoral vein group (p < .05). The success rate was significantly higher than that in the femoral vein group (p < .05). Additionally, the incidence of total complications and catheter occlusion complications with PICC insertion via the right LE was significantly lower than that with insertion via the left LE (p < .05). Our study suggested that, when feasible, the saphenous vein in the right LE could be the most suitable insertion site for neonatal PICCs. These findings provide insights into the complications, indwelling time, and safety of neonatal PICCs in different LE sites, serving as a valuable reference for clinical practice. This study was retrospective in nature, and all staff involved obtained approved access to patient clinical data. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (registry number 2022010001).

Analysis of tip malposition and correction of peripherally inserted central catheters under ultrasound-guidance: 5-year outcomes from a single center.

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) has become a common procedure. Although ultrasound (US)-guidance has improved success rates, a small percentage of malposition is inevitable. The purpose of our study is to evaluate malposition rates of US-guided bedside PICC catheter insertion, and the clinical factors associated with malposition. This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating 5981 patients who had undergone ultrasound-guided bedside PICC placement from January 2017 to December 2021 at a single tertiary center. Final tip location was confirmed on chest radiograph. Patients were categorized into optimal, suboptimal, and malposition groups according to final tip location. 4866 cases (81.7%) showed optimal tip position, 790 (13.3%) were suboptimal, and 299 (5.0%) were malpositioned. Logistic regression analysis identified six variables associated with tip malposition; height (odds ratio (OR) 1.044; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.028-1.061; p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.051; 95% CI, 1.017-1.087; p = 0.003), prior failure at accessing peripheral intravenous (IV) access (OR 1.718; 95% CI, 1.215-2.428; p = 0.002), side of the arm (OR 3.467; 95% CI, 2.457-4.891; p < 0.001), length of the catheter (OR 0.763; 95% CI, 0.734-0.794; p < 0.001), and number of previous central catheter insertions (OR 1.069; 95% CI, 1.004-1.140; p = 0.038). Malpositioned catheters were corrected by either bedside repositioning, bedside reinsertion, fluoroscopic reinsertion, switching to jugular catheters or catheter removal. No patient related factors were significantly associated with malposition or success of reposition. US-guidance can help reduce catheter malposition during bedside PICC insertion. Patients with risk factors such as multiple previous central vein insertions, failed peripheral line insertions, left arm insertion, or high BMI should undergo thorough sonographic evaluation of the arm vessels to prevent malposition.

Preventive effect of aspirin on peripherally inserted central catheter-related vein thrombosis in patients with malignant tumors

AbstractThe majority of patients receiving chemotherapy undergo PICC catheterization. However, PICCs are significantly associated with catheter related complications, including deep vein thrombosis, blood infection, fibrin sheath, catheter prolapse, catheter displacement and blockage. Of all the risks, PICC-related VT was the most prevailing clinic symptom and resulted in a high risk of death. AimThe study aimed to investigate the preventive efficacy and safety of aspirin for patients with malignant tumors receiving venous thrombosis (VT) related with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) treatment. Patients and MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants with malignant tumors receiving chemotherapy who accepted PICC insertion operation were randomly allocated to the aspirin treatment group (n = 235) or the control group (n = 246). The patients in the aspirin group were administrated aspirin (100mg) for 30 days, whereas the patients in control group were administrated a placebo drug. The incidence of PICC-related VT in both groups and the aspirin related adverse effects were evaluated. ResultsThe incidence of PICC-related VT was 0.4% in the aspirin group, compared with 3.3% in the control group (P = 0.038). In addition, aspirin related bleeding was not observed. ConclusionPICC-related VT could be effectively prevented by aspirin in patients with malignant tumors.

PP102 Impact Of Placing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters At Patient Bedside Versus Radiology Suite In A Private Australian Hospital

IntroductionA peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is an important vascular access device to administer certain intravenous (IV) therapies, which is traditionally placed using fluoroscopy in radiology suites. With advancing tip-confirmation technology, PICCs can be placed at the patient bedside by nurses, without any delays arising from wait time for the radiology suite or the need of transferring patients to the radiology suite, leading to time savings and allowing prompt start to IV therapy. This study aims to estimate the cost and time impact of placing PICCs at the bedside using tip-confirmation technology led by nurses versus in the radiology suite using fluoroscopy by radiologists.MethodsA budget impact analysis was developed using Microsoft Excel to estimate the annual impact of inserting PICCs at the bedside versus in the radiology suite. The base case scenario was modelled for 1,000 PICCs placed in a private Australian hospital. Impact on bed days, labor time and overall cost was estimated by using global and local data sources for inputs. It was assumed that 100 percent PICC are placed in a radiology suite in current practice, while 95 percent are placed at the bedside and 5 percent in the radiology suite in future practice.ResultsBy shifting PICC insertion to the bedside using tip-confirmation technology, the model estimated a reduction of labor time by 221 hours and bed days by 113 days. Despite an increase in the cost of consumables by AUD34,041 (USD22,760) and reduction of Medicare Benefits Schedule rebate by AUD260,730 (USD174,328), overall cost savings of AUD1.01million (USD675,660) was observed due to significant savings due to the t reduced utilization of the radiology suite.ConclusionsPICC insertion at the patient bedside using tip-confirmation technology by nurses may lead to time and cost savings as compared to placing them in the radiology suite. This can help alleviate the burden on radiology suites and reduce their wait times, potentially leading to timely treatment initiation and discharge. Since PICCs at the bedside are typically placed by specialized vascular access nurses, these cost savings can be redirected to employ and train them.

Early picc-line infections in non-neutropenic patients are mainly due to E. coli suggesting that third-generation cephalosporin may be used as a first-line antibiotic therapy

PurposeTo describe the rate of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) -associated bloodstream infections, and the pathogens involved. MethodsWe prospectively analyzed data collected from all adult patients with a PICC insertion in a hematology unit in a tertiary care center between January 1, 2017 and June 30, 2020. ResultsA total of 370 PICCs were inserted in 275 patients with hematological malignancies: 54 (15 %) confirmed cases of central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) were identified. Enterobacteria were the most frequent bacteria identified, involved in 35 % of CLABSIs. Group 1 enterobacteria bacteremia occurred a much shorter time after insertion (median time to CLABSI 16 days) than group 2 or group 3 enterobacteria (median time to CLABSI 64 days, p-value = 0.049). ConclusionAmong Gram-negative bacilli CLABSI among non-neutropenic patients, E. coli identification was the most frequent and occurred earlier after insertion, suggesting that third-generation cephalosporin may be used as a first-line antibiotic therapy for enterobacteria bacteremia among non-neutropenic patients.

Clinical characteristics of peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a prospective and observational study

PurposeThe incidence of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related complications is higher in cancer patients than in noncancer patients. However, the pattern of specific complication occurrence over time remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of PICC-related complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsThis prospective, observational study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Western China. Cancer patients undergoing PICC insertion for anticancer treatment were recruited and followed up until the first week after catheter removal. Any complications, including occurrence time and outcomes, were recorded. The trajectory of specific PICC-related complications over time were identify based on the Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis.ResultsOf the 233 patients analyzed, nearly half (n = 112/233, 48.1%) developed 150 PICC-related complication events. The most common were symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) (n = 37/233, 15.9%), medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) (n = 27/233, 11.6%), and catheter dislodgement (n = 17/233, 7.3%), accounting for 54.0% (n = 81/150, 54.0%) of total complications events. According to Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis, symptomatic CRT, pain, phlebitis, and insertion site bleeding were classified as the “early onset” group mainly occurring within the first month post-insertion. Catheter fracture and catheter-related bloodstream infection were classified as the “late onset” group occurring after the second month post-insertion. MARSI, catheter dislodgement, occlusion, and insertion site infection were classified as the “persistent onset” group persistently occurring during the whole catheter-dwelling period. Among the 112 patients with PICC-related complications, 50 (44.6%) patients had their catheters removed due to complications, and 62 (55.4%) patients successfully retained their catheters until treatment completion through conventional interventions. The major reasons for unplanned catheter removal were catheter dislodgement (n = 12/233, 5.2%), symptomatic CRT (n = 10/233, 4.3%), and MARSI (n = 7/233, 3.0%), accounting for 58.0% (n = 29/50, 58.0%) of the total unplanned catheter removal cases. Catheter dwelling times between patients with complications under successful interventions (130.5 ± 32.1 days) and patients with no complications (138.2 ± 46.4 days) were not significantly different (t = 1.306, p = 0.194; log-rank test = 2.610, p = 0.106).ConclusionsPICC-related complications were pretty common in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The time distribution of PICC-related complications varied, and medical staff should develop time-specific protocols for prevention. Because more than half of the patients with PICC-related complications could be managed with conventional interventions, PICCs remain a priority for cancer patients undergoing short-term chemotherapy. The study was registered in 02/08/2019 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1900024890).

The safe implementation of peripherally inserted central catheters by nurse practitioners for patients with gastroenterological diseases in Japan: a single-center retrospective study.

As a safe and reliable alternative to central venous catheters (CVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in clinical practice. However, the insertion of PICCs by nurse practitioners (NPs), especially in Japan, has not been reported extensively. Thus, we investigated the safety and efficiency of PICC insertions by NPs. The participants were 1322 patients who underwent PICC insertion by NPs at Fujita Health University Hospital (FNPs). The basilic vein in the brachium was the preferred vein for insertion; the brachial vein was the alternative. Patients were monitored from the time of PICC insertion until its removal. Ultrasonography-guided puncture was used for all catheter insertions, and the catheter tip was replaced into the superior vena cava under fluoroscopic imaging with maximal sterile barrier precautions. The outcomes of the PICC insertions by the FNPs were evaluated retrospectively. Overall, 23 FNPs inserted a collective total of 1322 PICCs, which remained in place for a collective total of 23,619 catheter days. The rate of successful PICC insertion was 99% (1310 patients). The median time taken for PICC insertion was 12min (interquartile range, 10-15min). Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients (0.2%). The confirmed incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection was 3.4% (45 patients), and these infections occurred on 1.9 per 1000 catheter days. The median duration of PICC placement was 15days (range, 10-23days). PICC insertion by NPs is safe and a potential alternative to CVC insertion by surgeons.

Multivariate analysis of medical adhesive-related skin injury at the site of peripherally inserted central catheter insertion in cancer patients: A prospective cohort study.

At the site of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) catheterization in tumor patients, medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) was reported related to patient age, infusion of certain chemotherapeutic agents, and tumor type, but did not review its relation to the use of clear patches and the puncture site of PICC. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for MARSI in more detail to provide supported data for reducing MARSI. Total 382 cancer patients receiving catheterization via PICC were involved in this study from March 1, 2021, to September 28, 2021. According to MARSI occurrence or not, they were assigned into MARSI or non-MARSI group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the risks of MARSI occurrence at PICC insertion site. 15% (60 of 382 cases) resulted in MARSI, out of which 8.1% (31/382) was categorized as contact dermatitis, and 7.1% (27/382) as mechanical injuries. The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in six aspects of the study, including BMI, MARSI history, dressing types, treatment by paclitaxel or 5-FU versus oxaliplatin, dressing frequency, and catheterization at biceps brachii medial (p < 0.05). Via multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was discovered that except for previously reported risk factors, dressing change frequency (OR (95% CI) = 7.49 (2.36-23.80), p = 0.001), catheterization at biceps brachii medial (OR (95% CI) = 4.07 (1.82-9.10), p = 0.001), and breast cancer (OR (95% CI) = 3.27 (1.05-10.15), p = 0.041), there were significant risk factors for MARSI occurrence in tumor patients with PICC catheterization. Our study revealed a high incidence of MARSI at the PICC insertion site of cancer patients, presenting with contact dermatitis and mechanical injury. Independent risk factors were previous history of MARSI, a diagnosis of breast cancer, frequent dressing replacement, use of paclitaxel or 5-FU, and PICC catheterization at biceps brachii medial.

Pain-related changes in crSO2 among premature infants undergoing PICC insertion

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2) values, measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), in assessing pain associated with the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in premature infants. Methods NIRS was used to measure the crSO2 levels of 48 premature infants with gestational age (GA) of < 32 weeks or a birth weight of < 1500 g. Premature infant pain profile (PIPP) scores, vital signs, transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcpO2), transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (TcpCO2), and crSO2 values were monitored. One-way repeated measure analysis of variance was used to compare heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), blood pressure (BP), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), TcpO2, TcpCO2, and crSO2 values before (Time 1), during (Time 2), and after (Time 3) PICC insertion. The correlation between the PIPP scores at Time 2 and the fluctuations (values detected at Time 2 minus those at Time 1) of SpO2, TcpO2, and crSO2 were also analyzed. Results The PIPP score at Time 2 was significantly higher than those at Times 1 and 3. HR, RR, and BP values increased (p < .05), and SpO2 and crSO2 levels decreased at Time 2 (p < .05) compared with those at Time 1. Stratified analysis based on GA revealed significant differences in HR, RR, and crSO2 values between Times 1 and 2 in infants with a GA of ≥ 32 weeks. In infants with a GA < 32 weeks, significant differences were observed in HR, RR, SpO2, BP, and crSO2 values between Times 1 and 2. The fluctuation of the crSO2 level was strongly correlated with the PIPP score at Time 2 (r = −0.829, p < .001). A weak correlation was observed between the PIPP score at Time 2 and TcpO2 level fluctuation (r = 0.375, p = .009). No correlation was observed between the PIPP score at Time 2 and SpO2 level fluctuation (r = 0.242, p = .097). Conclusion The fluctuation of crSO2 levels strongly correlates with PICC procedural pain. Hence, crSO2 levels measured using NIRS may be used as an indicator for pain assessment in premature infants.

Role of a radiopaque agent and surveillance radiographs for peripherally inserted central catheters in newborn infants

BackgroundControversy exists regarding the use of a radiopaque agent to identify peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip positions in newborn infants and of serial radiography to monitor PICC tip migration.ObjectiveTo investigate the roles of (1) the injection of a radiopaque agent to identify PICC tip position and (2) the performance of weekly radiography to monitor PICC migration.Materials and methodsThis retrospective single-centre cohort study included newborn infants who received a PICC between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020. A radiopaque agent was injected to identify PICC tip position and radiographs were performed weekly to detect PICC migration.ResultsWe identified 676 PICC episodes in 601 infants. A radiopaque agent was used for 590 of these episodes. There was no difference in the proportion of central PICC tip positions based on radiopaque agent use status (490/590, 83% for the radiopaque agent used group versus 73/85, 85.8% for the radiopaque agent not used group, P=0.51). Irrespective of the site of PICC insertion, outward migration was observed for most centrally placed PICCs over their entire in situ duration. Inward migration was identified in 23 out of 643 PICC episodes (3.6%) only on radiographs obtained on or before day 7. Based on serial radiographs, the odds for PICC tips remaining in a central position were lower the longer the PICC remained in situ (adjusted odds ratio-OR 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.92–0.95). There was no difference in PICC migration between side and limb of insertion.ConclusionPICC tips can be identified without injection of a radiopaque agent. Serial radiographs identified PICC migration over the in situ duration. This study has implications for reducing exposure to a radiopaque agent and ongoing migration surveillance practices.Graphical abstract

Peripherally inserted central venous catheter for pediatric acute leukemia: A retrospective 11-year single-center experience.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are successfully increasingly used in children in onco-hematologic setting. PICC insertion, especially in oncologic patients, can be associated with adverse events (thrombosis, mechanical complications, and infections). Data regarding the use of PICC, as long-term access in pediatric patients with severe hematologic diseases, are still limited. We retrospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 196 PICC, inserted in 129 pediatric patients with acute leukemia diagnosed and treated at Pediatric Hematology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome. The 196 PICC analyzed were in situ for a median dwell time of 190 days (range 12-898). In 42 children, PICC was inserted twice and in 10, three times or more due to hematopoietic stem cell transplant, disease recurrence, or PICC-related complications. The overall complication rate was 34%: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 22% of cases after a median time of 97 days; a catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) in 3.5% and mechanical complications in 9% of cases. Premature removal for complications occurred in 30% of PICC. One death from CRBSI was observed. To our knowledge, this study represents the largest cohort of pediatric patients who have inserted the PICC for acute leukemia. In our experience, PICC was a cheap, safe, and reliable device for long-term intravenous access in children with acute leukemia. This has been possible with the help of dedicated PICC team.

Maneuver for advancing and positioning of peripherally inserted central catheters in newborns

The objective of this study was to evaluate the maneuver for advancing a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in newborns with and without the use of the three steps of elevation, protraction and lowering (EPL) of the shoulder. This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study with a sample of 113 PICC insertions in the basilic or cephalic veins of newborns admitted to a neonatal unit. The majority of catheters that required the use of the maneuver were advanced after the first step; a greater proportion of centrally positioned catheters were inserted through the right basilic vein (86.2%); and chronological age and catheterized vein were significantly different (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the first and second steps of the EPL maneuver were effective in advancing the PICC in the right midclavicular region through catheterization of the right basilic vein.

Pain during PICC insertion in preterm infants: the needle is not the only problem

Objective To evaluate whether warm povidone-iodine (PI) application before peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement eased pain related to the procedure in premature infants and reduced the duration of the procedure and the number of attempts. Methods A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with infants born before 32 weeks of gestation who required the first placement of the PICC. Skin disinfection was performed with warm PI before the procedure in the warm PI(W-PI) group, whereas PI kept at room temperature was used in the regular PI(R-PI) group. NPASS scores of the infants were evaluated three times: at baseline(T0), during skin preparation(T1), and during needle insertion(T2). Results Fifty-two infants (26 in the W-PI group,26 in the R-PI group) were enrolled in the study. The perinatal and baseline demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. While the median NPASS scores at T0 and T2 were similar between the groups, the median T1 score was significantly higher in the R-PI group(p = .019). While the median NPASS scores at T1 and T2 were similar in the R-PI group, there was a significant difference in the W-PI group, with NPASS scores being significantly lower at T1 compared to T2. The results demonstrate that skin disinfection was just as painful as needle insertion in the R-PI group. The duration of the procedure and the number of needle insertions were significantly lower in the W-PI group. Conclusions Before invasive interventions, such as PICC insertion, we recommend warm PI as a part of non-pharmacological pain management.

Bloodstream infection burden among cancer clinic patients with PICC Lines: A prospective, observational study

Background: Oncology patients are at high risk for bloodstream infection (BSI) due to immunosuppression and frequent use of central venous catheters. Surveillance in this population is largely relegated to inpatient settings and limited data are available describing community burden. We evaluated rates of BSI, clinic or emergency department (ED) visits, and hospitalizations in a large cohort of oncology outpatients with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Methods: In this prospective, observational study, we followed a convenience sample of adults (age&gt;18) with PICCs at a large academic outpatient oncology clinic for 35 months between July 2015 and November 2018. We assessed demographics, malignancy type, PICC insertion and removal dates, history of prior PICC, and line duration. Outcomes included BSI events (defined as &gt;1 positive blood cultures or &gt;2 positive blood cultures if coagulase-negative Staphylococcus), ED visits (without hospitalization), and unplanned hospitalizations (excluding scheduled chemotherapy hospitalizations). We used χ2 analyses to compare the frequency of categorical outcomes, and we used unpaired t tests to assess differences in means of continuous variable in hematologic versus solid-tumor malignancy patients. We used generalized linear mixed-effects models to assess differences in BSI (clustered by patient) separately for gram-positive and gram-negative BSI outcomes. Results: Among 478 patients with 658 unique PICC lines and 64,190 line days, 271 patients (413 lines) had hematologic malignancy and 207 patients (232 lines) had solid-tumor malignancy. Cohort characteristics and outcomes stratified by malignancy type are shown in Table 1. Compared to those with hematologic malignancy, solid-tumor patients were older, had 47% fewer clinic visits, and had 32% lower frequency of prior PICC lines. Overall, there were 75 BSI events (12%; 1.2 per 1,000 catheter days). We detected no significant difference in BSI rates when comparing solid-tumor versus hematologic malignancies (P = 0.20); BSIs with gram-positive pathogen were 69% higher in patients with solid tumors. Gram-negative BSIs were 41% higher in patients with hematologic malignancy. Solid-tumor malignancy was associated with 4.5-fold higher odds of developing BSI with gram-positive pathogen (OR, 4.48; 95% CI, 1.60–12.60; P = .005) compared to those with hematologic malignancy, after adjusting for age, sex, history of prior PICC, and line duration. Differences in gram-negative BSI were not significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The burden of all-cause BSIs in cancer clinic adults with PICC lines was 12% or 1.2 per 1,000 catheter days, as high as nationally reported inpatient BSI rates. Higher risk of gram-positive BSIs in solid-tumor patients suggests the need for targeted infection prevention activities in this population, such as improvements in central-line monitoring, outpatient care, and maintenance of lines and/or dressings, as well as chlorhexidine bathing to reduce skin bioburden.Disclosures: None