Possible role of systemic inflammatory reaction in vascular access thrombosis

Vascular devices are an integral part of modern medicine. Catheter thrombosis is a frequent complication that interferes with their use.

We have observed a series of patients in whom vascular access thrombosis occurred in close temporal association with infectious or inflammatory processes.

Laboratory and clinical evidence suggests that activation of the coagulation system may be triggered by certain infectious or inflammatory disorders. Patients with vascular devices are prone to infections that could lead to a transient hypercoagulable state.

We are proposing that infections or other inflammatory processes may be involved in some vascular access thrombotic events. On the basis of our observations, we believe further studies are warranted regarding a possible association between infections or inflammatory disorders and vascular devices thrombosis. If an association is proven to exist, patients with vascular devices and infectious or inflammatory processes may be candidates for short-term anticoagulation during acute episodes of infection or inflammation.