Higher complication risk of totally implantable venous access port systems in patients with advanced cancer - a single institution retrospective analysis

Predictive model for totally implanted venous access ports‑related long‑term complications in patients with lung cancer

Totally implanted venous access ports (TIVAPs), which are typically used in oncological chemotherapy and parenteral nutritional support, are convenient and safe, and thus offer patients a higher quality of life. However, insertion or removal of the device requires a minor surgical operation. Long-term complications (>30 days post insertion), such as catheter migration, catheter-related thrombosis and infection, are major reasons for TIVAP removal and are associated with a number of factors such as body mass index and hemoglobin count. Since management of complications is typically time-consuming and costly, a predictive model of such events may be of great value. Therefore, in the present study, a predictive model for long-term complications following TIVAP implantation in patients with lung cancer was developed. After excluding patients with a large amount of missing data, 902 patients admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing, China) were ultimately included in the present study. Of the included patients, 28 had complications, indicating an incidence rate of 3.1%. Patients were randomly divided into training and test cohorts (7:3), and three machine learning-based anomaly detection algorithms, namely, the Isolation Forest, one-class Support Vector Machines (one-class SVM) and Local Outlier Factor, were used to construct a model. The performance of the model was initially evaluated by the Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC), area under curve (AUC) and accuracy. The one-class SVM model demonstrated the highest performance in classifying the risk of complications associated with the use of the intracavitary electrocardiogram method for TIVAP implantation in patients with lung cancer (MCC, 0.078; AUC, 0.62; accuracy, 66.0%). In conclusion, the predictive model developed in the present study may be used to improve the early detection of TIVAP-related complications in patients with lung cancer, which could lead to the conservation of medical resources and the promotion of medical advances.

A surveillance program for long-term central venous access-associated infections in outpatient chemotherapy services

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we described the first results of a surveillance system for infections associated with long-term central venous catheters (LT-CVC) in patients under outpatient chemotherapy.

DESIGN

This was a multicentric, prospective study.

SETTING

Outpatient chemotherapy services.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 8 referral cancer centers in the State of São Paulo.

INTERVENTION

These services were invited to participate in a newly created surveillance program for patients under chemotherapy. Several meetings were convened to share previous experiences on LT-CVC infection surveillance and to define the surveillance method. Once the program was implemented, all bloodstream infection (LT-CVC BSIs), tunnel infection, and exit-site infections associated with LT-CVC were reported. Data from January to May 2021 were analyzed. The median monthly number of chemotherapy sessions per clinic was 925 (IQR, 270-5,855). We used Poisson regression to analyze the association of rates with the characteristics of the services.

RESULTS

In total, 107 LT-CVC infections were reported, of which 95% were BSIs, mostly associated with totally implantable devices (76%). Infections occurred a median of 4 days after the last catheter manipulation and 116 after the LT-CVC insertion. Also, 102 microorganisms were isolated from LT-CVC BSIs; the most common pathogen was Staphylococcus epidermidis, at 22%. Moreover, 44 infections (44%) fulfilled the criteria for CVC-related LT-CVC BSI and 27 infections (27%) met the criteria for mucosal barrier injury. The 1-year cumulative LT-CVC BSI rate was 1.94 per 1,000 CVC days of use. The rates were higher in public hospitals (IRR, 6.00; P < .001) and in hospitals that already had in place surveillance for LT-CVC infections (IRR, 2.01; P < .01).

CONCLUSION

Our study describes an applicable surveillance method for infections in cancer outpatients using LT-CVC.

Complications of Central Venous Access Devices Used in Palliative Care Settings for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(1) Background: Central venous access devices (CVADs) have been commonly employed during various courses of anticancer treatment. Currently, there are a few types of clinically available CVADs, which are associated with short-term and long-term complications. However, little is known about the complication rates when CVADs are used only in palliative care settings. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all the published literature to evaluate the complication rates of CVADs in this clinical setting. (2) Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify publications from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Ovid), Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and trial registries. Publications reporting the complication rates of PICCs, central lines, and PORTs in palliative settings for terminally ill cancer patients were included, while those on the use of systemic anticancer therapy and peripheral venous catheters were excluded. The outcome measures included overall complication rate, rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), and rate of thromboembolism (TE). This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023404489). (3) Results: Five publications with 327 patients were analyzed, including four studies on PICCs and one study on central lines. No studies on PORTs were eligible for analysis. The overall complication rate for PICCs (pooled estimate 7.02%, 95% CI 0.27-19.10) was higher than that for central lines (1.44%, 95% CI 0.30-4.14, p = 0.002). The risk of CRBSI with PICCs (2.03%, 95% CI 0.00-9.62) was also higher than that with central lines (0.96%, 95% CI 0.12-3.41, p = 0.046). PICCs also had a trend of a higher risk of TE (2.10%, 95% CI 0.00-12.22) compared to central lines (0.48%, 95% CI 0.01-2.64, p = 0.061). (4) Conclusions: PICCs for palliative cancer care were found to have greater complications than central lines. This might aid in the formulation of future recommendation guidelines on the choice of CVAD in this setting.

The effect of chemotherapy type and timing among the other factors on patency of totally implantable vascular access devices in colorectal carcinoma

PURPOSE

Catheter-related complications are observed in infusion of chemotherapy, and these were encountered with targeted therapies. Our principle is to study non-mechanical effects of type and initiation time of chemotherapy among the other factors on patency of totally implantable vascular access devices (TIVAD) inserted in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

METHODS

This is a one-center retrospective cohort study. We analyzed TIVAD related complications in 624 patients with colorectal carcinoma. The patients were categorized by chemotherapy type (non-target-directed chemotherapy agents (Group A), bevacizumab (Group B), and cetuximab (Group C)). Additionally, we divided the patients into groups by the time interval between TIVAD insertion and chemotherapy initiation. According to our study, a 3-day period was optimal. Therefore, we named the groups as within 3 days and beyond 3 days, and called this process 3 days cut-off. Age, gender, jugular-subclavian access, platelet count, INR, the types of chemotherapy, and the initiation time of chemotherapy were investigated by survival tests. We compared chemotherapy type groups both one-by-one and combined into one group.

RESULTS

The TIVADs were removed due to the complications in 11 patients of Group A, 6 patients of Group B, and 3 patients of Group C. Only chemotherapy type was significant (p = 0.011) in Cox regression test. A clear difference (p = 0.010) was detected between the catheter patency of Group A and combination of Groups B and C, because of skin necrosis and thrombosis. Within 3 days of their first chemotherapy day, an important difference between Group A and Group C (p = 0.013) was observed in the TIVAD patency. The same observation was made between Group A and Group B (p = 0.007). Beyond this period, no major difference was detected (p = 0.341).

CONCLUSION

A major effect on catheter patency was detected by using the target-directed chemotherapy agent within 3 days, which should be considered in target-directed chemotherapy.

Complications and Costs of Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters Compared With Implantable Port Catheters for Cancer Patients: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and implantable port catheters (IPCs) are 2 most common central venous access for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. However, no specific evidence exists to guide practitioners on safety and less cost.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the differences of complications and costs of PICC and IPC in the treatment of cancer patients with chemotherapy and to provide a basis for better clinical decision making.

METHODS

All the cohort studies were searched in the Cochrane Library, JBI, PubMed, Elsevier, Web of Science, CINAHL, CBM, and CNKI from inception to July 2018. Two reviewers screened and selected trials, evaluated quality, and extracted data. Meta-analysis and description of the outcomes were performed by using the RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 761 articles were retrieved, with 15 articles meeting eligibility criteria. Outcome analysis showed no difference in 1-puncture success rate. Peripherally inserted central catheter use was associated with higher complication rates than IPC, including occlusion, infection, malposition, catheter-related thrombosis, extravasation, phlebitis, and accidental removal rate. The life span of IPC was longer than that of PICC, and the costs of IPC were lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Implantable port catheter has advantages over PICC in reducing cancer patients' complications and less cost in terms of long-term cancer chemotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

In terms of safety, the results provide evidence for practitioners to choose which type of central venous catheters is better for cancer chemotherapy patients. In terms of costs, practitioners need to make decisions about which type of central venous catheters has less cost.

Impact of chest subcutaneous fat on the occurrence of central venous port-related infectious complications in cancer patients

Purpose

There is no concrete evidence to support the association between the amount of subcutaneous fat area (SFA) in the central venous port-insertion site (precordium) and port-related complications. We aimed to investigate the relationship between SFA in the midclavicular line and postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing port-insertion surgery.

Methods

This was a single-institute and historical cohort study of 174 patients who underwent first central venous port implantation surgery for chemotherapy between January 2014 and December 2018. SFA in the midclavicular line was measured using preoperative computed tomography scans. The patients were divided into three groups according to SFA amount tertiles, and we investigated the association of SFA with infectious and all-cause complication events within 1 year.

Results

Within a median follow-up of 306 days, the patients with intermediate SFA had significantly higher infection-free survival than those with low and high SFA (low vs. intermediate vs. high: 80.4% vs. 97.7% vs. 83.4%, respectively, p=0.034). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the overall complication-free survival among the groups (low vs. intermediate vs. high: 80.4% vs. 88.9% vs. 81.8%, respectively, p=0.29). Low SFA was independently associated with high risk of infectious complications (hazard ratio, 9.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–83.22, p=0.043).

Conclusion

Low SFA in the midclavicular line was an independent risk factor for infectious complications in the chemotherapy setting. This practical indicator can be useful for optimizing patients’ nutritional status and when considering other types of vascular access to support administration of intravenous chemotherapy.

Outcomes following port-a-catheter placement in the Medicare population

Background

We aimed to evaluate the long-term complication profile associated with port-a-catheter placement.

Methods

Patients undergoing port-a-catheter placement from 2007 to 2012 with 5-year follow up were identified. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and multivariate regression models were analyzed.

Results

Any complication occurring within 5 years postoperatively was common (59.04%, n = 53,353). Arrhythmogenic (32.66%, n = 30,625) and thrombovascular (36.80%, n = 34,499) complications were more common than infection (17.86%, n = 16,745) and mechanical (10.31%, n = 9,670) complications. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that history of atrial fibrillation is a risk factor for developing any complication (odds ratio 7.99, 95% confidence interval 7.29-8.77).

Conclusion

Patients with history of atrial fibrillation have increased odds of developing infectious, thrombovascular, mechanical, and arrhythmogenic complications with port-a-catheter placement. This study is the first to show that postprocedure arrhythmias occur at significant rates within the 5-year follow-up period. We caution that development of new arrhythmia should be monitored throughout a prolonged follow-up period. We hope our analysis encourages multidisciplinary coordination of patients with ports so that implants are promptly removed when they are no longer needed to avoid these complications.

Availability of totally implantable venous access devices in cancer patients is high in the long term: a seven-year follow-up study

PURPOSE

Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) currently have an important place in medical oncology practice; however, their long-term availability deserves further investigation, since they are usually required by patients for prolonged periods. This study aimed to evaluate long-term availability of TIVADs in adult cancer patients, in conjunction with complication/removal rates over time and associated risk factors during 7-year follow-up.

METHODS

A total of 204 adult cancer patients who underwent TIVAD placement via subclavian vein using the Seldinger technique were included in this study. Medical data and catheter follow-up records were investigated retrospectively. Complications and port removals due to complications were evaluated over time.

RESULTS

During median 21.9 (range, 0.7-82.9) months of follow-up, great majority of the patients did not require catheter removal due to complications (91.7%). During a total follow-up of 183,328 catheter days, 20 (9.8%) patients had complications with an incidence of 0.109 cases per 1000 catheter days and 18 (8.8%) of them required TIVAD removal (0.098 cases per 1000 catheter days). Most device removals due to complications (15/18, 83.3%) occurred within the first 24 months. Multivariate analysis identified left-sided device location as the only significant independent predictor of short device availability (OR, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.1-11.1], p = 0.036).

CONCLUSION

TIVADs in cancer patients appear to be safe and their availability appears to be high in the long term. A decision for early removal might be revisited. Opting for the accustomed side (right side in the present study) for implantations seems to be associated with better outcomes.

Role of Lock Therapy for Long-Term Catheter-Related Infections by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

The management of long-term central venous catheter (LTCVC) infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in cancer patient is a challenge. The objectives of this study were to analyze outcomes in cancer patients with LTCVC-associated infection, identify risks for unfavorable outcomes, and determine the impact of MDR bacteria and antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) in managing such infections. We evaluated all LTCVC-associated infections treated between January 2009 and December 2016. Infections were reported in accordance with international guidelines for catheter-related infections. The outcome measures were 30-day mortality and treatment failure. We analyzed risk factors by Cox forward-stepwise regression. We identified 296 LTCVC-associated infections; 212 (71.6%) were classified as bloodstream infections (BSIs). The most common agent was Staphylococcus aureus Forty-six (21.7%) infections were due to MDR Gram-negative bacteria. ALT was used in 62 (29.2%) patients, with a 75.9% success rate. Risk factors identified for failure of the initial treatment were having a high sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at diagnosis of infection and being in palliative care; introduction of ALT at the start of treatment was identified as a protective factor. Risk factors identified for 30-day mortality after LTCVC-associated infection were a high SOFA score at diagnosis, infection with MDR bacteria, and palliative care; introduction of ALT at the start of treatment, hematological malignancies, and adherence to an institutional protocol for the management of LTCVC-associated infection were identified as protective factors. Despite the high incidence of infection with MDR bacteria, ALT improves the outcome of LTCVC-associated infection in cancer patients.

Incidence and Determinants of Port Occlusions in Cancer Outpatients: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Normal saline is considered a safe alternative for heparin as a locking solution in totally implantable venous access devices. The incidence rate of partial occlusion with the use of normal saline (easy injection, impossible aspiration) is estimated at 4%.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of partial occlusions with the use of normal saline solution and the maintenance of positive pressure in the catheter.

METHODS

We enrolled 218 patients with different solid tumors who underwent pharmacologic treatment through the port with different frequencies: from once every week to at least once every month. The port was flushed with normal saline solution keeping a positive pressure in the catheter.

RESULTS

We performed 4111 observations and documented normal port functioning in 99% of observations (n = 4057) and partial occlusions in 1% of observations (n = 54). Partial occlusions were significantly associated with frequency of port flushing (P < .05), chemotherapy (P < .001), and blood sample collection (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of positive pressure in addition to normal saline reduces the incidence rate of partial occlusions. The type of treatment, blood sample collection, and treatment schedule are important determinants of partial occlusions.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Nurses play a key role in maintaining a functioning port using positive pressure during the flushing techniques. Certain risk factors must be monitored to prevent partial occlusions, and certain patients are more likely to present with port-related problems.

A Study of Use of "PORT" Catheter in Patients with Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

Background:

Effective and reliable venous access is one of the cornerstones of modern medical therapy in oncology.

Materials and methods:

This is a prospective observational study, which collected data of patients who require “PORT” catheter insertion for any cancer, at a tertiary care oncology hospital in Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India, during a 2-year period.

Aims and objectives:

The main objective of this study was to study the various complications and outcomes related to “PORT” catheters.

Results:

“PORT” catheter was inserted in 100 patients and was most commonly used in solid malignancies (n = 86, 86%), followed by hematologic malignancies (n = 14, 14%). Among the solid malignancies, breast cancer (38, 38%) was the most common underlying disease, whereas among the hematologic malignancies, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (6, 6%) was the most common underlying disease for “PORT” catheter insertion. Chemotherapy was started on the first day of “PORT” catheter in 74% of patients in the “PORT” study group. The various complications developed in the “PORT” study group in the descending order are as follows: 4 patients (4%) developed early infection (⩽30 days after “PORT” placement), 4 (4%) late infection (⩾30 days after “PORT” placement), 4 (4%) bloodstream infection, 2 (2%) local skin infection at the “PORT” insertion site, 2 (2%) dislodgment of the “PORT” catheter, 2 (2%) fracture of the “PORT” catheter, and 1 recurrent pleural effusion. One patient (1%) developed thrombosis as the complication of “PORT” catheter insertion.

Conclusions:

The most disturbing aspect of treatment for a patient with cancer is multiple painful venipunctures made for administration of cytotoxic agents, antibiotics, blood products, and nutritional supplements. The focus of this prospective observational research is to study the various underlying diseases for which “PORT” catheter is needed in different solid and hematologic malignancies and the various complications and outcomes in pediatric and adult patients with cancer.

Score of liver ultrasonography predicts treatment-related severe neutropenia and neutropenic fever in induction chemotherapy with docetaxel for locally advanced head and neck cancer patients with normal serum transamines

Induction chemotherapy with docetaxel improved outcome in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients, but docetaxel was not recommended in liver dysfunction patients for treatment toxicities. Severe neutropenic events (SNE) including severe neutropenia (SN) and febrile neutropenia (FN) still developed in these patients with normal serum transaminases. Ultrasonography (US) fibrotic score represented degree of hepatic parenchymal damage and showed good correlation to fibrotic changes histologically. This study aims to evaluate the association of US fibrotic score with docetaxel treatment-related SNE in advanced HNSCC patients with normal serum transaminases. Between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2013, a total of 47 advanced HNSCC patients treated with induction docetaxel were enrolled. The clinical features were collected to assess predictive factors for SNE. The patients were divided into two groups by the US fibrotic score with a cutoff value of 7. The Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression method were used for the risk factor analysis. The background, treatment, and response were similar in both groups except for lower lymphocyte and platelet count in patients with higher US score. Twenty-seven patients (51 %) developed grade 3/4 neutropenia, and more SNE developed in patients with US score ≧7. In multivariate analysis, only US score ≥7 was independent predictive factor for developing SN (hazard ratio 7.71, p = 0.043) and FN (hazard ratio 20.95, p = 0.008). US score ≥7 is an independent risk factor for SNE in advanced HNSCC patients treated with induction docetaxel. US score could be used for risk prediction of docetaxel-related SNE.

Totally implantable venous access port systems and associated complications: A single-institution retrospective analysis of 2,996 breast cancer patients

Totally implantable venous access port systems (TIVAPS) are widely used in breast cancer patients. However, complications are frequent and may necessitate device replacement or removal, resulting in additional patient stress and treatment delays. The aim of this study was to investigate possible risk factors for complications. A total of 2,996 consecutive female breast cancer patients, with a median age of 50.2 years (range, 21.2-85.5 years) were enrolled in this observational, single-centre study between December, 2008 and April, 2014. TIVAPS implantation was principally performed using local anaesthesia and the blind puncture or Seldinger technique through internal jugular or subclavian vein access. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain information associated with TIVAPS and patient data. Insertion performed by blind puncture and Seldinger technique had a success ratio of 96.34 and 99.80%, respectively (χ²=29.905, P<0.001). However, the success ratio of the puncture technique group was 99.76% when the TIVAPS was implanted in the right internal jugular vein. The most common complications were late complications, with an overall incidence rate of 5.41% (162/2,996) during the entire device duration. The most common late complications included fibrin formation (1.84%, 55/2,996), port-related bacteraemia (1.44%, 43/2,996) and deep vein thrombosis (0.63%, 19/2,996). No patient died during the study. Our results demonstrated that insertion of TIVAPS by blind puncture or the Seldinger technique through internal jugular or subclavian vein access is convenient, and insertion by the Seldinger technique through the right internal jugular vein is the preferred method. Therefore, TIVAPS is safe for continuous infusional chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer patients.

Incidence and risk factors for central venous access port-related infection in Chinese cancer patients

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Cytotoxic chemotherapy via central venous access ports is an important part of the standard treatment for most cancers, but it is accompanied with the risk of infections. This study aimed to analyze the incidence and risk factors for central venous access port-related infection (CPI) among Chinese patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy.

METHODS

Between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2005 a total of 1391 cancer patients with 1449 totally implantable central venous access ports were evaluated. The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model were used for the analyses of risk factors.

RESULTS

The overall CPI incidence rate was 0.21 per 1000 catheter-days. Hematological malignancies and head and neck cancer were associated with an increased risk of CPI (hazard ratio 4.00 and 4.11, respectively, both p < 0.001) and less infection-free catheter longevity (p < 0.001) compared with other cancer types. Chemotherapy in an adjuvant setting was associated with a lower risk of infection than for patients in a nonadjuvant setting (p < 0.001). The most common pathogens isolated from CPI were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida.

CONCLUSION

Infection remains to be a challenging issue for totally implantable central venous ports. Implementation of an insertion bundle for the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections is warranted, especially for those patients with hematological and head and neck cancers, as well as for patients receiving chemotherapy in the metastatic settings.

A comparison of outcomes and complications of totally implantable access port through the internal jugular vein versus the subclavian vein

Totally implantable access ports (TIAPs) are generally used in oncology. Few studies have addressed complications associated with the insertion site. A total of 233 consecutive oncology patients were enrolled to receive TIAP inserts via internal jugular vein (IJV) or subclavian vein (SV). Data on clinicopathologic parameters and early/late complications were retrospectively collected. No differences were found early and late complication rates. Catheter injury was observed more frequently in the IJV group (2.9%) than in the SV group (1.0%) without statistical significance. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, switch to palliative use of TIAP, and the distribution of diseases (low risk in patients with colorectal cancer) were independent risk factors for determining complications. In conclusion, TIAP insertion site showed no impact on the early and late complication rates. Catheter injury appears to occur at the same frequency with both approaches. Therefore, medical doctors may choose their preferred puncture site when performing TIAP insertion.

Increased rates of local complication of central venous catheters in the targeted anticancer therapy era: a 2-year retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

Totally implantable central venous accesses (port-a-cath) are often used for chemotherapy administration or prolonged intravenous infusions in cancer patients. Local and systemic complications may occur both during and after placement of port-a-cath despite the well-established techniques for its placement and care. Out of other catheter-related local complications, thrombosis and infections represent the most common. Complications related to central venous catheter may be associated with infusion of both conventional chemotherapy and molecularly targeted therapy. Incidence and nature of complications of central venous catheter have been well established for long-term chemotherapy. However, very sparse data exists on the incidence of complications of molecularly targeted therapies administered through a central venous catheter. Hence, we decided to retrospectively analyze the local complications of a central venous catheter in patients receiving molecularly targeted therapy and conventional chemotherapy, respectively.

METHODS

Over a 2-year period, 459 devices were placed in two academic Italian institutions. Patients' characteristics, catheter-related complications, and their relationship with targeted therapy administration were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

Catheter-related complications occurred in 30 out of the 459 analyzed cancer patients (7 %). Local complications occurred in 12 (40 %) and 18 (60 %) patients receiving standard chemotherapy and biological drugs, respectively. Eighteen (72 %) out of 25 patients developing biological complications (BC) were receiving biological drugs. Infusion of a biological drug through a central venous catheter has been shown to increase the risk of central venous catheter complications (p = 0.02). No difference between the incidence of complication between anti-angiogenic and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) agents was observed in our study despite the statistically significant early development of port-a-cath complication in the anti-EGFR group. Treatment with a biological drug and the stage of disease, in univariate analysis, had independent effect on the duration for development of catheter-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Molecularly targeted therapy may influence the occurrence of BCs, i.e., infection and dehiscence. Onset of BCs occurred earlier in patients receiving biological drugs (more frequently with bevacizumab than with anti-EGFR therapy) than those undergoing traditional chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to ascertain the findings of our study and to elucidate the reason for the higher incidence of catheter-related complications.

Comparing normal saline versus diluted heparin to lock non-valved totally implantable venous access devices in cancer patients: a randomised, non-inferiority, open trial

BACKGROUND

Heparin has been used for years as a locking solution in totally implantable venous access devices. Normal saline (NS) might be a safe alternative for heparin. However, evidence of non-inferiority of NS versus heparin is lacking.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We randomly allocated 802 cancer patients with a newly inserted port either to heparin lock (300 U/3 ml) or to NS lock groups in a 1:1 assignment ratio. The primary outcome was the number of functional complications, which was defined as 'easy injection, impossible aspiration' at port access. Secondary outcomes included all functional problems and catheter-related bacteraemia. We hypothesised that NS locks do not cause more functional problems and catheter-related bacteraemia than heparin locks. Non-inferiority is established if the upper limit of the confidence interval (CI) for the relative risk of NS versus heparin is <1.4.

RESULTS

Three hundred and eighty-two patients from the NS group and 383 from the heparin lock group were included in the analysis. The incidence rate of our primary outcome (easy injection, impossible aspiration) was 3.70% (95% CI 2.91%-4.69%) and 3.92% (95% CI 3.09%-4.96%) of accesses in the NS and heparin groups, respectively. The relative risk was 0.94% (95% CI 0.67%-1.32%). Catheter-related bloodstream infection was 0.03 per 1000 catheter days in the NS group and 0.10 per 1000 catheter days in the heparin group.

CONCLUSION

NS is a safe and effective locking solution in implantable ports if combined with a strict protocol for device insertion and maintenance.

Infection related to implantable central venous access devices in cancer patients: epidemiology and risk factors

OBJECTIVE

To describe the epidemiology of infections related to the use of implantable central venous access devices (CVADs) in cancer patients and to evaluate measures aimed at reducing the rates of such infections.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Referral hospital for cancer in São Paulo, Brazil.

PATIENTS

We prospectively evaluated all implantable CVADs employed between January 2009 and December 2011. Inpatients and outpatients were followed until catheter removal, transfer to another facility, or death.

METHODS

Outcome measures were bloodstream infection and pocket infection. We also evaluated the effects that the creation of a multidisciplinary team for CVAD care, avoiding in-hospital implantation of CVADs, and limiting CVAD insertion in neutropenic patients have on the rates of such infections.

RESULTS

During the study period, 966 CVADs (mostly venous ports) were implanted in 933 patients, for a combined total of 243,792 catheter-days. We identified 184 episodes of infection: 154 (84%) were bloodstream infections, 21 (11%) were pocket infections, and 9 (5%) were surgical site infections. During the study period, the rate of CVAD-related infection dropped from 2.2 to 0.24 per 1,000 catheter-days ([Formula: see text]). Multivariate analysis revealed that relevant risk factors for such infection include surgical reintervention, implantation in a neutropenic patient, in-hospital implantation, use of a cuffed catheter, and nonchemotherapy indication for catheter use.

CONCLUSIONS

Establishing a multidisciplinary team specifically focused on CVAD care, together with systematic reporting of infections, appears to reduce the rates of infection related to the use of these devices.