The use of central venous catheter in Paediatric Haematology / Oncology Unit

Abstract

A 2-year retrospective survey of the use of central venous catheter (CVC) was performed to review its use and complications. 47 CVCs (27 single-lumen catheters, 17 double-lumen catheters and 3 subcutaneous ports) were placed in 38 consecutive patients (age range 0.49-19, median 4.85 year). All except 2 CVCs were inserted through jugular veins under general anesthesia. The total lifespan of the CVCs was 8042 (median 149, range 9-572) days. The rate of documented catheter-related bacteraemia was 3.4 episodes /1 000 catheter days with a total of 28 episodes. The three most common organisms were Coagulase negative staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. The reasons for removal of CVC were cessation of indication in 13 (27%), death 8 (17%), catheter-related bacteraemia 8 (17%), exit site infection 7 (15%), dislodgment 7 (15%) and internal rupture 1 (2%). Three (7%) CVCs were still in use at the end of the study. Catheter-related infection remains the most important complication and the leading cause of CVC removal.