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[Usefulness and indications for Port-a-Cath in children with acute leukemia]
Insights
The Port-a-Cath system provides reliable venous access for children with high-risk acute leukemia, reducing the need for frequent venous punctures during long-term treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Vascular Access Devices
Context:
- Acute leukemia treatment requires prolonged, frequent venous access.
- Repeated venous punctures can cause distress and complications in children.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Port-a-Cath system in pediatric patients with high-risk acute leukemia.
Summary:
- 11 children (3-14 years) with high-risk acute leukemia received Port-a-Cath implants.
- Ten systems functioned well, with durations up to 450 days; 7 remain in use.
- Complications included incorrect placement, skin necrosis, and reversible thrombosis; two patients died from leukemia with functioning catheters.
Impact:
- The Port-a-Cath system improves quality of life for children undergoing leukemia treatment.
- It effectively minimizes the need for repeated, painful venous punctures.
Abstract:
Duration of treatment for acute leukemia is as long as 2 years. During this time, venous punctures are repeated every few days. The Port-a-Cath system allows a long-lasting but intermittent venous access. Since March 1987, 11 Port-a-Cath systems have been implanted in 11 children (age 3 to 14) with the diagnosis of high risk acute leukemia (9 ALL and 2 AML). The facial vein has been used in five instances, the external jugular vein in five, and the jugular vein in one case. Ten systems have had a good function. Seven are still in use, and the duration ranges from 450 to 47 days. Two children died because of their disease, their catheters still functioning. Two systems have been withdrawn, one for incorrected location and the other for cutaneous necrosis of the puncture site. Two more children developed reversible thrombosis. The Port-a-Cath system is useful in children affected by high risk acute leukemia, ameliorating their life quality and avoiding the need for repeated vein punctures.