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Published on: December 23, 2014
Anticoagulation without catheter removal in children with catheter-related central vein thrombosis
B D Kenney1, M David, A L Bensoussan
1Department of Hematology, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Insights
Anticoagulation therapy can safely preserve essential central venous catheters in pediatric patients with catheter-related thrombosis, avoiding removal and potential complications. This approach offers a viable alternative to catheter removal or thrombolytic agents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Thrombosis
- Vascular Access Devices
- Hematology
Background:
- Catheter-related central venous thrombosis (CVC-thrombosis) is a significant complication in pediatric patients requiring central venous access.
- Traditional management involves anticoagulation and early catheter removal, often necessitating replacement with associated risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation alone for managing catheter-related deep venous thrombosis in children.
- To determine if anticoagulation can prevent the need for central venous catheter removal.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 17 pediatric patients (6 weeks to 19 years) treated for CVC-thrombosis between February 1991 and April 1994.
- Comparison of outcomes between patients undergoing early catheter removal with anticoagulation versus those treated with anticoagulation alone.
Main Results:
- Seven out of nine patients treated with anticoagulation without catheter removal successfully retained their functional catheters.
- While one patient required catheter removal due to failed anticoagulation and another due to infection, anticoagulation was effective in preventing removal in the majority.
- Eight patients underwent early catheter removal, with two requiring it due to intrinsic catheter issues and one due to hemophilia.
Conclusions:
- Standard anticoagulation therapy is a safe and effective strategy for managing catheter-related deep venous thrombosis in pediatric patients.
- Preserving functional central venous catheters through anticoagulation can avoid complications associated with catheter removal and replacement.
Abstract:
Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a serious and common problem among children. The traditional management has been anticoagulation and early catheter removal. Unfortunately, many patients require a new catheter, which is associated with complications that include possible further thrombosis. Although others have used thrombolytic agents in attempts to avoid catheter removal, the authors of the present study believe that the associated complications occur too frequently and are too serious. They have had success with standard anticoagulation in a limited number of patients. Between February 1991 and April 1994, 17 patients (6 weeks to 19 years of age) were treated for catheter-related deep venous thrombosis. Eight patients underwent early catheter removal accompanied by anticoagulation; two of them had intrinsic catheter problems that necessitated removal, and one had hemophilia. Nine others received anticoagulation without catheter removal. Of these, one required catheter removal after 10 days heparin administration failed to diminish the thrombosis. Another patient responded well to anticoagulation but required catheter removal several weeks later because of catheter-site infection. The other seven patients responded well to anticoagulation, and their catheters were retained. For patients with a functional catheter essential to their care, anticoagulation may safely prevent catheter removal.
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