Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Removal Research Articles

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.

Inappropriate Use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Pediatrics: A Multisite Study.

This study aimed to describe how the current practice of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use in hospitalized children aligns with the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (miniMAGIC) in Children recommendations, explore variation across sites, and describe the population of children who do not receive appropriate PICCs. A retrospective study was conducted at 4 children's hospitals in the United States. Children with PICCs placed January 2019 to December 2021 were included. Patients in the NICU were excluded. PICCs were categorized using the miniMAGIC in Children classification as inappropriate, uncertain appropriateness and appropriate. Of the 6051 PICCs identified, 9% (n = 550) were categorized as inappropriate, 9% (n = 550) as uncertain appropriateness, and 82% (n = 4951) as appropriate. The number of PICCs trended down over time, but up to 20% of PICCs each year were not appropriate, with significant variation between sites. Within inappropriate or uncertain appropriateness PICCs (n = 1100 PICC in 1079 children), median (interquartile range) patient age was 4 (0-11) years, 54% were male, and the main reason for PICC placement was prolonged antibiotic course (56%, n = 611). The most common admitting services requesting the inappropriate/uncertain appropriateness PICCs were critical care 24%, general pediatrics 22%, and pulmonary 20%. Complications resulting in PICC removal were identified in 6% (n = 70) of inappropriate/uncertain PICCs. The most common complications were dislodgement (3%) and occlusion (2%), with infection and thrombosis rates of 1% (n = 10 and n = 13, respectively). Although the majority of PICCs met appropriateness criteria, a substantial proportion of PICCs were deemed inappropriate or of uncertain appropriateness, illustrating an opportunity for quality improvement.

Impact of a Dedicated Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Program on Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Removal at a Large Academic Medical Center

Abstract Background Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a strategy to administer parenteral antibiotics in the outpatient setting through a vascular access device, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Prompt PICC removal after OPAT completion can minimize potential complications of phlebitis, catheter-associated infections, and venous thrombosis. There is no literature evaluating the impact of a dedicated OPAT clinic on PICC removal. Methods This was a single-center, retrospective observational study. Patients 18 years or older discharged on OPAT were included. In March 2018, Grady Health System implemented a multidisciplinary OPAT clinic. The pre-OPAT clinic group included patients referred from January 1, 2017, through March 31, 2018, and the post-OPAT clinic group included patients referred from April 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019. The primary outcome was the rate of documented PICC removal before and after implementation of a dedicated OPAT clinic. Secondary outcomes included difference in rates and reasons for emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions, and difference in rates of OPAT follow-up visits between the 2 groups. The PICC removal rates were fitted in linear regression models for pre- and post-OPAT clinic groups, and the slopes of the 2 regression models were compared. Results A total of 450 patients were included: 230 and 220 in the pre- and post-OPAT clinic groups, respectively. In the pre-OPAT group, 180 patients (73.8%) had a documented PICC removal compared with 213 patients (86.6%) in the post-OPAT group (P < 0.001). There were significantly more patients who visited the ED for a PICC-related reason in the pre-OPAT clinic group (62 vs 44, P = 0.006). Conclusions The proportion of patients with documented PICC removal increased and the proportion of patients with a PICC-related ED visit decreased after the establishment of a dedicated OPAT clinic.

Reducing catheter related bloodstream infection risk of infant with a prophylactic antibiotic therapy before removing peripherally inserted central catheter: A retrospective study.

This study examined the efficacy of prescribing antibiotics, specifically a single dose of vancomycin, in reducing the incidence of culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis prior to the removal of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). We retrospectively reviewed charts of infants who had PICCs in a tertiary level hospital during the period from 2010 to 2019. The incidence of post-catheter removal clinical sepsis between the groups with or without antibiotics was compared. The antibiotic group was defined by receiving a single dose of vancomycin or any other antibiotic prior to line removal. We enrolled 585 PICC removal episodes in 546 infants for analysis. Antibiotics were given prior to removal in 257 cases (43.9%) and not given prior to removal in 328 cases (56.1%). There were 13 episodes of post-catheter removal clinical sepsis detected within 72h (2.2%), 2 of which were culture-positive (0.3%). A 9.3-fold decrease in the odds for clinical sepsis was observed in the antibiotic group (p=0.01). The incidence of post-catheter removal sepsis was decreased by a single prophylactic dose of vancomycin (p=0.02), whereas the use of other antibiotics showed no effect (p=0.35). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that comorbidities with gastrointestinal diseases (p=0.01), PICC insertion sites in the scalp and neck (p=0.04), and no vancomycin administration prior to line removal (p=0.02) were independent risk factors for subsequent clinical sepsis. A single prophylactic dose of vancomycin prior to PICC line removal might reduce clinical sepsis events in infants.

A Risk Score for Single-Lumen Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)-Related Venous Thrombosis in Cancer Patients Undergoing Ambulatory Chemotherapy

Introduction The extended use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in cancer patients have simplified the management of the treatment, but also represent an important risk factor of upper limbs thrombosis in a population specially predisposed to thrombotic events. Given the clinical significance of PICC-related venous thrombosis (VT) in cancer patients, a predictive risk model could be helpful. Methods Retrospective unicentric study in which patients with single-lumen PICCs, placed by using ultrasound guidance by a trained nursing team at our centre from January 2015 to May 2019 were included. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years-old, histologically confirmed diagnosis of cancer and treatment with ambulatory chemotherapy regimen. The presence of symptomatic PICC-related VT confirmed by ultrasounds, variables regarding PICC (placement, use and removal) and the main clinical and biological characteristics of the patients were recorded. For further analysis, sites of cancer were categorized into "very high risk", those with VT rates of 2-fold or higher than the median risk of the group (lung, testicular, bladder), "high risk", those with rates higher than average (gastric, pancreatic, breast, head and neck), and low risk, those with rates at or below average (colorectal, prostate, lymphoma, gynecologic, and others). The predictive accuracy of the model was assessed: discrimination was evaluated using the c-statistic representing the AUC (area under the receiver-operating characteristic), the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess model calibration and a bootstrap internal validation procedure with 1000 bootstrap resamples was performed. Results Seventy (6%) of 1170 patients who received PICCs, with a median time of use of 108.5 days [2-525], developed symptomatic, image-confirmed PICC-related VT. Moreover, 10 of the 70 had associated pulmonary embolism. The main characteristics of the patients with and without PICC-VT are summarized in table 1. The median time between PICC placement and thrombosis was 25.5 [1-458] days and VT was more probable on the first 100 days after placement (p=0.002). In univariable analyses, the following variables were significantly associated with the development of symptomatic PICC-VT: primary site of cancer, pre-chemotherapy platelet count ≥350 x109/L and supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy concomitant to PICC use. In addition, PICC tip placement next to the right atrium (in the right atrium or at the lower third of the superior vena cava) is associated with a lower incidence of VT. PICC tip position only could be checked in 447 patients by chest radiography. In the final multivariable logistic regression model (table 2), three variables emerged as risk factors independently associated with PICC-VT: primary site of cancer (very high risk or high risk), pre-chemotherapy platelet count ≥350 x109/L and supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy concomitant to PICC use. PICC tip placement was not considered in the multivariable analysis, since it is a correctable variable. To create the risk score, we assigned points to each of the three variables based on their regression coefficients (table 2). Patients were assigned to one of three risk groups based on cumulative total points: low (score 0), intermediate (score 1), and high (score ≥2). Observed PICC-related VT rates were 3.1% for the low-risk group, 6.4% for the intermediate-risk group and 12.4% for the high-risk group. In a logistic regression model with risk group as a categorical predictor, the risk classification rule was significantly associated with PICC-VT (p <0.001), with odds ratios of 2.136 (95% CI, 1.137-4.011) and 4.456 (95% CI, 2.387-8.320) for intermediate-risk and high-risk groups vs. low-risk group, respectively. C statistic was 0.662 (95%CI 0.598-0.727). Conclusions Primary site of cancer, pre-chemotherapy platelet count and supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy concomitant to the PICC use are independent risk factors for single-lumen PICC-related venous thrombosis in cancer patients undergoing ambulatory chemotherapy. The score proposed herein could be a helpful tool to predict the risk of PICC-related VT. PICC tip placement proximal to the right atrium could reduce the risk of VT. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Should ultrasound evaluation for catheter-related thrombosis always be required before PICC removal?

Despite several effective preventive strategies peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)-as much as centrally inserted central catheters and femorally inserted central catheters-are inevitably associated with the potential development of catheter-related thrombosis. This complication may be symptomatic or-more often-asymptomatic. Even if remote, the chance that PICC removal may mobilize an asymptomatic thrombus and cause pulmonary embolism, is theoretically possible. On the other hand, the diffuse adoption of an ultrasound scan aiming at detecting an asymptomatic catheter-related thrombosis may be logistically difficult and expensive. No clear evidence-based recommendations exist on this issue and whether perform an ultrasound scan before PICC removal in asymptomatic patients remains a matter of debate. For these reasons, the authors propose few common sense recommendations that may help clinicians in weighing the clinical advantages of the exam (optimal safety for the patient) versus its practical disadvantages (logistic cost).

Pharmaceutical Analysis of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Requests Increases the Use of Single-Lumen Catheters: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Several studies have suggested a strong relationship between the number of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lumens and the risk of complications. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the intervention of a clinical pharmacist (CP) on the number of lumens of PICC inserted and assess PICC-related complications. This prospective monocentric study included all consecutive patients from 5 different units who underwent PICC insertions from September 2017 to March 2018. In the intervention group, the CP validated the pertinence of each PICC request according to the patients' records, choice of device (single or double lumen), and incompatibilities between treatments. The control group consisted of patients who underwent PICC insertions without a CP intervention. Complications were prospectively recorded up to PICC removal. Multivariate analyses adjusted for sex, age, and PICC line duration were performed. In the intervention group, 207 PICCs were inserted, 81.2% (n = 168) were single-lumen devices and 18.8% (n = 39) were double-lumen devices. In the control group (n = 77), the use of single-lumen PICCs was significantly lower (n = 48, 62.3%; P = 0.002). After intervention, the overall complication incidence rate decreased from 4.42 to 3.23 per 1000 catheter days ( P = 0.082). Considering the overall population, 216 single-lumen PICCs were inserted with significantly fewer complications than double-lumens (respectively n = 16, 16/216 = 7.4%, versus n = 15, 15/68 = 22.1%, P = 0.002). The adjusted odds ratio of double-lumen PICC was 3.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.46-10.07; P = 0.007). Our study showed the intervention of a CP in the PICC insertion process could increase the use of single-lumen PICCs and tended to reduce associated complications.

Neonatal cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication secondary to peripherally inserted central catheter: a case report

BackgroundAlthough the use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) has many advantages for the treatment of neonates, catheter malposition may result in serious complications that could be life-threatening. We report the case of a 10-day-old neonate with cardiac tamponade secondary to a PICC line who was successfully treated by pericardiocentesis.Case presentationAn Iranian (Asian) preterm male neonate was born by Cesarean section with a birth weight of 1190 g and a first-minute Apgar score of 7. Based on an increased respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) score from 4 to 7, resuscitation measures and intubation were performed at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). On day 3 after birth, a PICC line was inserted for parenteral therapy. A chest X-ray confirmed that the tip of the PICC line was in the appropriate position. Mechanical ventilation was discontinued 72 h post-NICU admission because of the improved respiratory condition. On the day 10 post-NICU admission, he suddenly developed hypotonia, apnea, hypoxia, hypotension, and bradycardia. Resuscitation and ventilation support were immediately started, and inotropic drugs were also given. Emergency echocardiography showed a severe pericardial effusion with tamponade. The PICC line was removed, and urgent pericardiocentesis was carried out. The respiratory situation gradually improved, the O2 saturation increased to 95%, and vital signs remained stable.ConclusionsDramatic improvement of the neonate's clinical responses after pericardial drainage and PICC removal were suggestive of PICC displacement, pericardial perforation, and cardiac tamponade.

A six-year study of complications related to peripherally inserted central catheters: A multi-center retrospective cohort study in China.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), the most frequent central venous catheter, are used to provide medical treatments, although long-term PICC-related adverse outcomes are unknown in China. This study systematically investigated PICC-related complications in four Chinese hospitals. Between January 2014 and January 2020, we analyzed the results of 3550 patients with PICC who were referred to four Chinese hospitals. All patients underwent PICC treatment in four Chinese hospitals. Patient-reported signs and symptoms of a putative PICC-related complication or functional were studied. Long-term outcomes and hospitalization costs were also evaluated. An aggregate of 3285 patients were enrolled in the analytic cohort. 58.6% were females and 41.4% were males. The most common reasons for PICC placement included oncologic malignancy and critically ill patients. The majority of PICCs had valved systems (90.7%) and were implanted in the right side (85.5%) and into the basilic vein (87.7%). At least one potential PICC-related problem or adverse effects (AEs) was reported by 67.3% of patients. Central line-associated bloodstream infection (28.1%) and symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (20.7%) were the most common complications. The majority of PICCs were removed for causes other than AEs, with just 723 reported AEs accounting for 22.0% of all PICC removals. The most reasons for PICCs removal were occlusion (425, 12.9%) and exit-site infections (189, 5.8%). This study is the first retrospective study in our country to explore PICC-related complications. While living with a PICC, more than 67.3% of patients report signs and symptoms of at least one PICC-related problem or adverse impacts, such as difficulties with PICC use and poor effects on physical and social function. In this group, PICCs are safe and effective, although the danger of PICC-related problems should not be disregarded.

Effectiveness and safety of catheter removal alone versus standard anticoagulation therapy after catheter removal for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related thrombosis

BackgroundCurrently, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used; however, there are associated problems due to catheter-related thrombosis (CRT). According to the existing literature and guidelines, 3–6 months of anticoagulation therapy is recommended, but these recommendations are based on analogous deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs. More specific management strategies need to be developed, and the safety and effectiveness of these strategies needs to be investigated.MethodsSome studies have suggested that catheter removal alone is a reasonable option, especially for patients with a higher risk of bleeding. We conducted a retrospective study of hospitalized patients from a single center who were diagnosed with PICC-related thrombosis. Among the 85 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 63 patients were treated with catheter removal alone, and 22 patients received anticoagulation therapy after catheter removal. The progression of thrombosis and bleeding in the two groups were compared. Most patients who underwent catheter removal alone had hematological malignancies, and thrombocytopenia had occurred during chemotherapy.ResultsAfter PICC removal, no patients in the anticoagulation therapy group developed progressive thrombosis, while 10 patients in the catheter removal alone group developed progressive thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (PE), including one case of PE, four cases of secondary upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT), and five patients showed obvious aggravation of thrombosis after catheter removal, and were administered repeated anticoagulant therapy. In the PICC removal + anticoagulation treatment group, major bleeding increased significantly (28.6% vs. 4.7%, P=0.006).ConclusionsCompared to the PICC removal + anticoagulation treatment group, the risk of major bleeding in the catheter removal alone group was significantly reduced. In some patients with an increased bleeding risk, catheter removal alone may be a safer and more effective option than catheter removal with anticoagulation treatment for CRT.

Comparing the use of silicone and polyurethane Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in newborns: A retrospective study.

To compare polyurethane and silicone peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in newborns regarding the success rates of insertion and duration and the reasons for nonelective removal. Previous studies have attempted to identify predictors of PICC complications in newborns, such as lower extremity insertion or femoral catheter insertion, procedures that require 60minutes or more, duration longer than 30days and non-central position of the catheter tip. However, there is little evidence on which type of PICC material causes less complications, especially in newborns. Retrospective cohort, guided by the STROBE tool. We divided the newborns into two groups according to the type of PICC material: polyurethane and silicone. Our sample was composed of 449 PICCs, of which 246 polyurethane PICCs and 203 silicone PICCs, inserted in 294 newborns. Bivariate analysis was performed for data comparison. All statistically significant variables in the bivariate analysis were included in the logistic regression (p≤.05). Of the 449 PICCs that we analysed, the central position of the catheter tip predominated for both types of materials, with a higher prevalence of false passage for the polyurethane group. There was no difference between the average duration. The incidence of nonelective PICC removal was 49.27% for the silicone group, and infiltration/extravasation and rupture were among the reasons for nonelective removal. The overall success rates in the insertion and duration of the PICC were almost identical for both types of material, despite the high incidence of false passage for polyurethane PICCs. Nonelective removals were higher for silicone PICCs, which also had a higher incidence for infiltration/extravasation and rupture. Can contribute to the knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of polyurethane and silicone PICCs, with a view to reduce the incidence of nonelective removals.

Risk Factors for Complications Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters During Induction Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Objective Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used in patients with hematologic malignancies. However, the risks of PICC-related complications during chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are not fully understood. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 128 adult patients with AML who received induction therapy by way of PICC insertion between 2012 and 2019. Results The median duration of PICC insertion was 30 days. The incidence rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) was 2.4% at 30 days, and women were more likely to suffer from CRBSI than men. Local reactions at the insertion site were observed in 56 patients; however, these events did not predict CRBSI. The incidence rates of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) were 1.6% at 30 days. Obesity put patients at an increased risk for CRT. Unexpected PICC removal occurred in 59 patients, and women were at a higher risk of catheter removal than men. Conclusion Low PICC-related complication rates, possibly associated with high rates of catheter removal, were observed during intensive chemotherapy for AML. Women and obese patients require careful monitoring of their PICC. Procedures to achieve appropriate PICC removal without increasing the complication rate need to be considered.

Dual-lumen power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A prospective observational study.

To explore whether dual-lumen power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) could be effectively and safely applied in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and for serum cyclosporine level monitoring. Compared to conventional central venous access devices, PICC provides a feasible route not only for fluid infusion, but also for blood sample collection in patients undergoing oncological treatments. A prospective observational study was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines. We prospectively evaluated the applications and complications of power injectable PICCs in 52 consecutive allo-HSCT recipients. We also compared the cyclosporine levels in 188 paired blood samples, simultaneously obtained via power injectable PICCs and percutaneous venous puncture, to investigate whether power injectable PICC is a feasible route for cyclosporine concentration monitoring in allo-HSCT. The median PICC placement duration was 29days. The insertion-site blood oozing and central line-associated bloodstream infection rates were 36.5% (19/52) and 26.9% (14/52), respectively, indicating the feasibility of these PICCs for various applications in allo-HSCT. No power injectable PICC-related thrombotic adverse events were identified; 90.4% (47/52) of cases with power injectable PICC removal occurred because of lack of medical utility, suggesting that power injectable PICC-related complications were manageable. However, cyclosporine levels in samples obtained via these PICCs were significantly higher than those in samples obtained via percutaneous venous puncture (261.5±139.2 vs. 232.4±253.6ng/ml; p=0.019 [set 1]; 254.8±89.3 vs. 225.1±233.3ng/ml; p<0.001 [set 2]; 283.6±103.9 vs. 238.0±254.7ng/ml; p=0.006 [set 3]; 291.0±94.9 vs. 266.0±274.7ng/ml; p=0.016 [set 4]). The power injectable PICC is a feasible venous access device for allo-HSCT. The dual-lumen power injectable PICCs provided a reliable access for blood sample collection, decreasing the number of blind percutaneous venous punctures in allo-HSCT. However, its application in cyclosporine level monitoring needs further investigation.

Subcutaneously anchored securement for peripherally inserted central catheters: Immediate, early, and late complications.

An adequate stabilization of a vascular device is an important part of insertion bundles and is an effective strategy in reducing complications. Dislodgment has a relevant clinical impact and an increase in healthcare costs. We have retrospectively investigated the safety and efficacy of Subcutaneously Anchored Securement (SAS) for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) in cancer patients. We analyzed 639 patients who had a PICC inserted and secured with SAS, over the past 3 years (2018-2020). No immediate complications during SAS placement were reported. In the first 24-48 h, a slight local ecchymosis was reported in 24 cases with rapid spontaneous resolution. No cases of bleeding or hematoma of the exit site were reported. The total number of catheter days was 93078. Dislodgment occurred only in seven cases (1.1%). In 16 patients, the PICC was removed because of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI): the overall incidence of CRBSI was 0.17 per 1000 catheter days. Symptomatic venous thrombosis was documented in 12 patients (1.9%) and treated with low molecular weight heparin without PICC removal. We had no cases of irreversible lumen occlusion. In 17 patients, local discomfort-including device-related pressure ulcers and painful inflammation-was reported: these cases were treated without SAS removal or PICC removal. In this retrospective analysis, subcutaneously anchored securement of PICCs was a safe and effective strategy for reducing the risk of dislodgment.

Subcutaneous tunneling technique to improve outcomes for patients undergoing chemotherapy with peripherally inserted central catheters: a randomized controlled trial.

ObjectiveTo compare the value of the subcutaneous tunneling technique versus the normal technique in improving the outcomes of patients undergoing chemotherapy with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).MethodsOne hundred thirty patients were randomly divided into an experimental group (subcutaneous tunneling technique) and control group (normal technique) according to the PICC placement technique, and clinical data were compared between the groups.ResultsIn total, 129 PICCs were successfully inserted. Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a lower occurrence of complications after placement (especially catheter dislodgement: 3.1% vs. 15.4%, venous thrombosis: 3.1% vs. 15.4%, and wound oozing: 14.1% vs. 27.7%), lower occurrence of unscheduled PICC removal (3.1% vs. 13.8%), greater comfort during placement (14.16 ± 2.21 vs. 15.09 ± 2.49 on a scale ranging from 6 to 30 points, with higher scores indicating lower degrees of comfort), and lower costs of PICC maintenance (median (interquartile range) per-day maintenance cost: 13.90 (10.99–32.83) vs. 15.69 (10.51–57.46) Yuan). The occurrence of complications and amount of bleeding during placement were not significantly different between the two groups.ConclusionsThe subcutaneous tunneling technique can improve PICC placement by reducing complications and costs of maintenance with better patient comfort during placement.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Insertion Success and Optimal Placement with New Technology: A Pre-Post Cohort Study

Highlights Abstract Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly placed with the assistance of fluoroscopy or medical imaging, ultrasound, electrocardiogram guidance, or all the above. Innovative ultrasound technologies continue to emerge; however, the impact upon clinical outcomes is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to compare outcomes of an existing ultrasound system with SHERLOCK 3CG™ Tip Confirmation (preintervention) to an updated SHERLOCK 3CG Diamond Tip Confirmation system, incorporating catheter-to-vein ratio measurement capabilities and an advanced magnetic-based tip navigation system (postintervention). Methods: In this prospective pre-post cohort study, we recruited adult patients requiring a new PICC. The study was conducted at a quaternary hospital in Queensland, Australia. Data were collected between May 2017 (4 months before equipment introduction) and January 2018 (4 months after equipment introduction), with a 1-month exclusion (education or learning) period in between. Patient, PICC, and device removal details were collected. The primary outcome was first-time insertion success, defined as successful PICC insertion after a single attempt (skin puncture), with the tip confirmed in an optimal location by the navigation system and a subsequent chest x-ray (as per hospital policy). Results: There were 503 participants with patient demographics and PICC characteristics balanced between the preintervention (n = 266) and postintervention (n = 237) groups. First-time insertion success was higher in the preintervention group (203/255, 80%) than the postintervention group (166/226, 73%), but this was not statistically significant (risk ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.83–1.02). Conclusions: There was no change in clinical outcomes with the use of next-generation ultrasound technology. These results justify future large studies and subsequent review into the efficacy of tip-confirmation systems and processes to maintain patient safety.

A case series of rapidly growing mycobacterial catheter-related bloodstream infections among immunocompetent patients

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) are ubiquitous in the environment and can cause a variety of human infections. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) caused by RGM have been reported predominantly among immunocompromised patients. Removal of central lines and antimicrobial therapy with at least 2 active agents are generally recommended for immunocompromised patients. RGM bloodstream infections (BSIs) are rare in immunocompetent patients and clinical data are very limited. Retrospective medical record review was conducted on patients with blood cultures positive for RGM from July 2012 through March 2015 at Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, a public teaching hospital in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, United States. RGM was suspected by presence of beaded Gram-positive bacilli on Gram staining of positive conventional blood cultures and it was confirmed as RGM by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory. Nineteen episodes of RGM BSI were identified in 17 patients who had no known immunocompromised conditions that predispose them to opportunistic pathogens. They were predominantly young male with history of intravenous drug use. Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was present in all episodes of RGM BSI and 74% of them clinically improved with PICC removal alone without specific antibiotic therapy for RGM. They were followed up for median duration of 45 days (interquartile range 25–385). The patients remained alive and asymptomatic until the end of follow-up periods. In immunocompetent patients, removal of catheters alone without adding specific antibiotics may be sufficient for RGM CRBSI.

Infection and Thrombotic Complications in Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) in Cancer Patients at Healthcare Global Hospital, Bangalore

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a form of vascular access device (VAD) that can be used for a prolonged period of time in cancer patients for diverse indications. Despite the many advantages, catheter related complications are common.&#x0D; Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate infection and thrombotic complications of PICCs in cancer patients.&#x0D; Methodology: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study, over a duration of thirty months from June 2015 to December 2017 in the Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology at our tertiary care, cancer hospital to assess, analyze and compare the infection and thrombotic complications in cancer patients with a PICC line. All patients with cancer who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and were followed up until catheter removal. The basic information regarding PICCs insertion, weekly care and removal was maintained. The data were analyzed and compared to identify catheter related complications&#x0D; Result: Four hundred and sixty-one PICCs were monitored for a total of 57,438 catheter-days (mean of 124 days i.e. 4.15 months, range : 1 to 434 days). Out of these 461 PICCs, 29 (6.29%) had both infection and thrombotic complications, as a result of which 22 were removed in 57,438 catheter days. (ie catheter removal rate was 0.38 per 1000 PICC days). Infection complications were found more with hematological malignancies while thrombotic complication were predominant in solid tumours.&#x0D; Conclusion: Infection complications were more common in hematological cancer patients than solid cancers where thrombotic complications were more common.

Incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections after removal of peripherally inserted central catheters in preterm neonates

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) have become essential for a safe and reliable long term venous access in all neonatal intensive care units (NICU) for providing long term intravenous fluids and medications. However, they associated with central line blood stream infections (CRBSI) infections and it is postulated that this risk is more on during their removal but the true incidence is not known. The objective was to evaluate the incidence and identify risk factors associated with CRBSI following the PICC removal in preterm neonates.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study was done on &lt;37 weeks premature neonates. Data included patient particulars, location of PICC placement, days of PICC, antibiotics and TPN through PICC, infections noted during or within 48 hours of PICC removal.Results: A total of 238 PICC removals in 215 neonates were analysed which did not show a significant difference in the prevalence of CRBSI within 48 hours of PICC removal. However, there was an increase in odds for sepsis following PICC removal in less than 29 weeks gestation and if it was not used for antibiotic infusion for more than 48 hours preceding its removal.Conclusions: This study does not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics during PICC removal in neonates as there was no increase in the incidence of CRBSI following PICC removal. However, they may have a role in very low gestation age, low birth weight infants who have not recently received antibiotics prior to PICC removal.

Peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

Central venous catheters (CVC) are essential for the management of patients with hematologic malignancies, facilitating chemotherapy infusion, antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, blood products, and blood samples collection. In this population, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) seem to be associated with lower complications, compared with conventional percutaneously inserted devices (CICC). Data on the PICC in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell recipients (allo-HSCT) are limited. We have prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of 100 polyurethanes or silicone PICC, inserted into 100 adult allo-HSCT recipients, at the Hematology of Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), between October 2012 and August 2017. The median duration of PICC placement was 117days. Overall, 68% of patients maintained the device for the entire transplant procedure and PICC were removed after day 100 from allo-HSCT; of these, 44% did not experienced any PICC-related complications. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) occurred in 32% of patients (2.5/1000 PICC days), associated with thrombosis in 8 cases. CRBSI were observed in 42% of patients with polyurethane and 20% with silicone PICC (p = 0.02). Catheter-related thrombosis occurred in 9% of patients, never requiring anticipated PICC removal. Mechanical complications occurred in 15% of cases (1.2/1000 PICC days). On the whole, adverse events were manageable and did not affect transplant outcome. No deaths related to PICC-complications were observed. PICC are a safe and reliable long-term venous access in allo-HSCT recipients.