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Insertion-related complications after central venous catheterization in onco-hematologic children: A prospective
Maria Giuseppina Annetta1, Sonia Mensi2, Tony Christian Morena2
1Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Implementing a comprehensive central venous catheterization bundle significantly reduced complications in pediatric cancer patients. This evidence-based approach enhances safety for children requiring long-term venous access during cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Vascular Access Devices
- Infection Control
Background:
- Central venous catheterization in pediatric oncology patients is linked to significant complications.
- The Italian Group for Long Term Venous Access Devices (GAVeCeLT) developed a seven-component insertion bundle to mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the GAVeCeLT insertion bundle in reducing complications associated with central venous catheterization in pediatric cancer patients.
- To prospectively assess the safety and efficacy of this standardized approach.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 109 pediatric cancer patients requiring central venous catheterization.
- Implementation of the GAVeCeLT insertion bundle, including ultrasound guidance, aseptic techniques, non-radiological tip confirmation, tunneling, sutureless securement, and exit site protection.
- Monitoring for immediate, early, and late complications over the study period.
Main Results:
- 138 central venous access devices were inserted without immediate or early complications.
- During the first month, 3 catheter-related bloodstream infections (0.7/1000 catheter days) and 9 mechanical complications (6.5%) were recorded.
- No symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis occurred.
Conclusions:
- The GAVeCeLT insertion bundle is highly effective in optimizing the safety of central venous catheterization in pediatric cancer patients.
- This evidence-based bundle significantly reduces the incidence of complications, improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
In oncologic pediatric patients, central venous catheterization may be associated with relevant complications. In 2020, the Italian Group for Long Term Venous Access Devices (GAVeCeLT) has developed an insertion bundle for pediatric central venous catheterization, which includes seven evidence-based strategies apt to prevent such complications: preprocedural ultrasound evaluation, appropriate asepsis, ultrasound-guided venipuncture, intraprocedural tip location by non-radiological methods, proper choice of the exit site by tunneling, sutureless securement, and protection of the exit site using glue and transparent membranes. In this prospective study, we adopted the aforementioned insertion bundle in a cohort of children with oncologic disease requiring central venous catheterization. From January 2020 to April 2025, we inserted 138 central venous access devices in 109 children with solid tumor or hematologic diseases. There were no immediate or early complications; during the first month after insertion, we recorded 3 catheter-related bloodstream infections (0.7/1000 catheter days), 9 mechanical complications requiring removal of the device (6.5%), and no symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis.Conclusion: The results of this prospective study strongly validate the hypothesis that a well-designed insertion bundle is highly effective in optimizing the safety of central venous catheterization in children with neoplastic diseases.
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