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Published on: July 13, 2019
Complications of central venous access devices in paediatric haemophilia patients
J A Domm1, M G Hudson, R L Janco
1Vanderbilt Hemostasis-Thrombosis Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Insights
Central venous access devices (CVADs) effectively provide venous access for children with hemophilia undergoing treatment. While complications like bacteremia and thrombosis can occur, the benefits of CVADs outweigh the risks for these patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Vascular Access Devices
- Hemostasis and Thrombosis
Background:
- Children with severe hemophilia require reliable venous access for treatments like immune tolerance induction and factor prophylaxis.
- Central venous access devices (CVADs) are often utilized to ensure consistent access.
- Assessing the safety and efficacy of CVADs in this pediatric population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the experience and complication rates associated with central venous access devices (CVADs) implanted in pediatric hemophilia patients.
- To determine the effectiveness of CVADs for immune tolerance induction or factor prophylaxis in children with hemophilia.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey was conducted on 30 central venous catheters implanted in 22 children with hemophilia between 1986 and 2000.
- Catheter insertions were performed under sterile conditions, with dedicated nurse-led training on catheter care and access.
- Complication rates, including bacteremia and thrombosis, were analyzed based on catheter-days.
Main Results:
- The study identified bacteremia and thrombosis as the most common complications associated with CVADs.
- A sepsis rate of 0.30 per 1000 catheter-days (1 episode per 3346 days) and a thrombosis rate of 0.13 per 1000 catheter-days (1 episode per 7529 days) were observed.
- The overall infection rate was lower than in several previously reported series.
Conclusions:
- Implantable central venous catheters are an effective method for venous access in pediatric hemophilia patients.
- The benefits of using CVADs in managing pediatric hemophilia outweigh the documented risks.
- Future prospective studies are recommended to further define risks and develop strategies for their reduction.
Abstract:
We conducted a retrospective survey of our experience with central venous access devices (CVADs) implanted in children with haemophilia seen at the Vanderbilt Hemostasis-Thrombosis Clinic from 1986 to 2000. Following discussion with parents on the merits and risks associated with the use of CVADs for immune tolerance induction or factor prophylaxis, catheters were inserted under sterile technique in the operating room. One nurse provided demonstration and teaching about catheter care and access. Thirty central venous catheters were inserted in 22 children. Our survey revealed that the two most common complications associated with central venous catheters were bacteraemia and thrombosis. We found a sepsis rate of 0.30/1000 catheter-days or one episode of bacteraemia for every 3346 days of catheter use. The thrombosis rate of our cohort was 0.13/1000 catheter-days or one episode of thrombosis for every 7529 days of catheter use. Uncomplicated venous access is essential in children with severe haemophilia who require prophylaxis or immune tolerance induction. While infection was the most common complication observed in our series, we experienced a lower overall infection rate than several reported series. Catheter thrombosis and subsequent obstruction may occur as a result of intraluminal fibrin deposits. We conclude that the use of implantable central venous catheters is an effective method for accessing children with haemophilia. We accept that the benefits of CVADs in the treatment of paediatric haemophilia patients outweigh the previously documented risks. Future prospective studies should be designed to define all associated risks and to determine effective strategies to reduce them.
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