1. Risk of upper limb venous thromboembolism from peripherally inserted catheters in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
- Author
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Chunilal S., Zhao J., Yuen H.L.A., Chunilal S., Zhao J., and Yuen H.L.A.
- Abstract
Background : Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in cancer patients, however there is wide variability in the rates and management of PICC-associated upper limb venous thromboembolism (PaULVTE). Aims : To determine the incidence, risk factors and treatment practices for PaULVTE in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Methods : A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with haematological or oncological malignancies, who received chemotherapy and had their first PICC insertion from April 2017 to July 2018 at Monash Health, Melbourne. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of PaULVTE. Secondary outcomes were PaULVTE treatment, whether an intermediate to high Khorana score (KS) could predict PaULVTE and other VTE incidence. Results : 147 patients were included (69 males [47%]), median age 64 years (Table 1)). Haematological malignancies (27%) comprised mainly lymphoma (n=33, 22%) whilst solid organ malignancies included colorectal (n=40, 27%) and gastric (n=18, 12%). Symptomatic PaULVTE events were observed in 10 patients (7%, 3.6-12.2% 95% CI, 0.8 per 1000 catheter-days, 40% haematological malignancy, 7 involved the axillary and internal jugular veins, 3 basilic and cephalic veins). All patients with deep PaULVTE (axillary/subclavian veins) were therapeutically anticoagulated, resulting in one major bleed. PICC retention was 20% despite 66% retaining function. Non deep PaULVTE were treated with PICC removal despite ongoing function (67%) or observation alone (33%). All PaULVTE occurred in those with intermediate to high KS (11%, 95%CI 5-18%) versus low KS 0% (95%CI 0-10%, p=0.06). A further 7 (5%, 95%CI 2-10%) patients developed VTE (PE/LLDVT) deemed unrelated to the PICC. There were no deaths due to VTE or its treatment. Conclusions : In patients with active malignancies receiving chemotherapy, 7% experienced PaULVTE. Despite the majority of patients' PICCs retaining function and patients receiving therapeutic a
- Published
- 2019