Safety and feasibility of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) in children with cancer: experience in a resource limited setting.

Dr. Saroj Prasad Panda; Dr. Sourav Kumar Mishra; Dr. Priya P Nayak; Dr. Soumya Surath Panda

Volume : IX, Issue : IV, April - 2019

Safety and feasibility of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) in children with cancer: experience in a resource limited setting.

Dr. Saroj Prasad Panda, Dr. Sourav Kumar Mishra, Dr. Priya P Nayak, Dr. Soumya Surath Panda

Abstract :

Background: Peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) is a simple and convenient option for long term intravenous access. In developing countries, its use has been increased recently. We prospectively assessed the feasibility of PICC use, determined the PICC related complications in children with malignancies in a newly developed pediatric oncology unit. Results: Forty five patients were enrolled between January–2017 to December–2018. A total of 48 PICCs were inserted. Insertion success rate was 96%. Catheter maintenance success rate was 73%; and median catheter life span was 142 days per device. PICC related complications were seen in 4.7/1000 catheter days, among which 2.5/1000 catheter days required line removal. Infections and catheter occlusion were the common complications. Conclusion: In a resource limited setting, use of PICC is safe and feasible. This can be considered as a suitable option for prolonged venous access, repeated blood sampling and chemotherapy administration in children with malignancies.