Patients with thrombocytopenia: outcome of radiologic placement of central venous access devices

To determine prospectively the outcome of radiologic placement of central venous access devices in patients with thrombocytopenia.

In 105 patients, 87 catheters, 10 arm port systems, and eight chest port systems were placed radiologically. Devices and patients were separated into group A (n = 37; platelet count < 50,000 x 10(6)/L [50 x 10(9)/L]), group B (n = 35; platelet count, 50-100,000 x 10(6)/L [0.05-100 x 10(9)/L]), and group C (n = 33; platelet count, > 100,000 x 10(6)/L [100 x 10(9)/L]). Patients in group A received platelet transfusions during implantation. Patients were followed up for up to 8 weeks (mean, 41.2 days). Success and complication rates (immediate and delayed) were determined for each group.

There were no bleeding complications that necessitated intervention in patients with thrombocytopenia (groups A and B). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates per "catheter days" among the three groups (4.2 per 1,000 catheter days in group A, 4.6 per 1,000 catheter days in group B, and 5.2 per 1,000 catheter days in group C). Postprocedure platelet counts increased only slightly (mean, 11,500 x 10(6)/L [11.5 x 10(9)/L]) in patients in group A.

Radiologic placement of central venous access devices can be performed safely in patients with thrombocytopenia.