Experience with central intravenous catheters in a paediatric oncology unit

During a four-year period, 57 children with malignant disease had a central intravenous catheter inserted to facilitate administration of cytotoxic drugs and parenteral nutrition. Despite the fact that all children were immunosuppressed and frequently profoundly neu-tropenic, only three episodes of septicaemia occurred as a direct result of catheter infection. Local damage to the silastic catheter tubing was the most common problem encountered. Education of the parents and child in the techniques of catheter care is probably the main factor in avoiding complications. The availability of a central intravenous catheter reduces psychological and physical trauma to the child and results in a considerable improvement in the child's general care. We now recommend insertion of a central catheter in all children with malignant disease who require intensive therapy.