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Peripherally inserted central catheters in infants and children
1Department of Radiology, Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Insights
Peripheral insertion of central catheters is a feasible and safe procedure in pediatric patients, offering mid- and long-term benefits with a low complication rate. This method is well-tolerated in infants and children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Vascular Access
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Central venous catheters are essential for various pediatric treatments.
- Peripheral insertion offers a less invasive alternative to traditional central venous access.
- Evaluating the safety and efficacy of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in pediatric populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the feasibility of peripheral insertion of central catheters in infants and children.
- To determine the complication rates associated with PICCs in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the mid- and long-term advantages of using PICCs in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 183 pediatric patients (285 catheter placement attempts) over 15 months.
- Phlebographic guidance was utilized, with 99% of catheters inserted below the elbow.
- Indications included prolonged antibiotic therapy, hematologic/oncologic care, total parenteral nutrition, and fluid/blood access.
Main Results:
- High success rates were observed: 96% in outpatients, 98% in hospitalized patients, and 96% in infants under 1 year.
- The primary complications were infection (6%) and catheter occlusion (8%).
- Pericatheter venous thrombosis was rare (0.3%).
Conclusions:
- Peripheral insertion of central catheters is a highly feasible technique in pediatric patients.
- PICCs are well-tolerated in infants and children, demonstrating a low frequency of complications.
- This approach offers significant benefits for various pediatric medical needs.
Purpose:
To determine prospectively the feasibility, complications, and mid- and long-term advantages of peripheral insertion of central catheters in infants and children.
Materials And Methods:
During a 15-month period between March 1995 and June 1996, a total of 285 catheter placement attempts were made to peripherally insert central catheters in 183 pediatric patients (89 boys, 94 girls). Phlebographic guidance was used, and the catheters were inserted below the elbow in 99% of cases. Catheter insertion was indicated for prolonged antibiotic therapy in 108 patients (158 catheter placement attempts), hematologic or oncologic care in 24 patients (40 attempts), total parenteral nutrition in 16 patients (46 attempts), and venous access for fluid or blood in 35 patients (41 attempts). The success rate and complications were recorded along with the indication, patient age, and duration of catheter placement.
Results:
One hundred fifty-two of 158 (96%) catheter placement attempts were successful in outpatients (n = 108), 124 of 127 (98%) in hospitalized patients (n = 75), and 70 of 73 (96%) in patients aged less than 1 year. Infection and pericatheter venous thrombosis were the main complications and were seen in 17 of 276 (6%) and one of 276 (0.3%) catheter placement attempts, respectively. Catheter occlusion occurred in 23 of 276 (8%) catheter placement attempts.
Conclusion:
Peripheral insertion of central catheters was highly feasible in infants and children with this protocol. Such catheters were well tolerated in the pediatric population with a low frequency of complications.
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