Option of Using Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Elderly Patients With Dementia: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Neurology
• Vascular Access

Background:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are crucial for managing various medical conditions.
• Elderly patients with dementia present unique challenges in long-term vascular access and treatment delivery.
• Assessing the utility and safety of PICCs in this specific population is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of using PICCs in elderly inpatients with dementia.
• To determine the efficacy of PICCs for different indications including acute illness, end-of-life care, and nutritional support.
• To analyze complication rates associated with PICC use in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study was conducted at a specialized dementia treatment center.
• Data were collected from 59 elderly inpatients with dementia requiring PICC insertion for various clinical needs.
• Patient outcomes, catheter lifespan, and complication rates (e.g., bloodstream infections, deep vein thrombosis) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The study included 59 patients (mean age 83.5 years), with 61% in the acute treatment group and 17% in the end-of-life care group.
• Median PICC lifespan was 42 days, with low rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection (0.22/1000 PICC-days) and deep venous thrombosis (0.66/1000 PICC-days).
• In the acute group, 19% resumed sufficient oral intake and 36% could tolerate soft foods; 91% in the end-of-life group received continuous IV fluids.

Conclusions:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are a safe and effective option for elderly dementia patients.
• PICCs can facilitate treatment during acute illness, support nutritional needs, and provide prolonged care during end-of-life stages.
• The low complication rates suggest PICCs are a valuable tool in managing complex care needs for this population.