The incidence and risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters in hospitalized patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Long-term intravenous devices: a narrative review of their placement

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes the latest findings and recommendations about the characteristics, indications and use of peripheral and central long-term venous access devices.The various complications inherent in these devices are becoming better known, and their contributing factors determined, which could make it possible to reduce their incidence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Some measures are integrated into recommendations for good practice, such as appropriate selection of devices, the preferential use of the thinnest catheters, and cyanoacrylate glue and dressings impregnated with chlorhexidine.

SUMMARY

Improving understanding of the phenomena leading to infectious and thrombotic complications, as well as better knowing the differences between intravenous devices and their respective indications, should lead to improvement of in-hospital and out-of-hospital care.

Machine Learning Predicts Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters-Related Deep Vein Thrombosis Using Patient Features and Catheterization Technology Features

This study aims to use patient feature and catheterization technology feature variables to train the corresponding machine learning (ML) models to predict peripherally inserted central catheters-deep vein thrombosis (PICCs-DVT) and analyze the importance of the two types of features to PICCs-DVT from the aspect of "input-output" correlation. To comprehensively and systematically summarize the variables used to describe patient features and catheterization technical features, this study combined 18 literature involving the two types of features in predicting PICCs-DVT. A total of 21 variables used to describe the two types of features were summarized, and feature values were extracted from the data of 1,065 PICCs patients from January 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, to construct a data sample set. Then, 70% of the sample set is used for model training and hyperparameter optimization, and 30% of the sample set is used for PICCs-DVT prediction and feature importance analysis of three common ML classification models (i.e. support vector classifier [SVC], random forest [RF], and artificial neural network [ANN]). In terms of prediction performance, this study selected four metrics to evaluate the prediction performance of the model: precision (P), recall (R), accuracy (ACC), and area under the curve (AUC). In terms of feature importance analysis, this study chooses a single feature analysis method based on the "input-output" sensitivity principle-Permutation Importance. For the mean model performance, the three ML models on the test set are P = 0.92, R = 0.95, ACC = 0.88, and AUC = 0.81. Specifically, the RF model is P = 0.95, R = 0.96, ACC = 0.92, AUC = 0.86; the ANN model is P = 0.92, R = 0.95, ACC = 0.88, AUC = 0.81; the SVC model is P = 0.88, R = 0.94, ACC = 0.85, AUC = 0.77. For feature importance analysis, Catheter-to-vein rate (RF: 91.55%, ANN: 82.25%, SVC: 87.71%), Zubrod-ECOG-WHO score (RF: 66.35%, ANN: 82.25%, SVC: 44.35%), and insertion attempt (RF: 44.35%, ANN: 37.65%, SVC: 65.80%) all occupy the top three in the ML models prediction task of PICCs-DVT, showing relatively consistent ranking results. The ML models show good performance in predicting PICCs-DVT and reveal a relatively consistent ranking of feature importance from the data. The important features revealed might help clinical medical staff to better understand and analyze the formation mechanism of PICCs-DVT from a data-driven perspective.

The safe implementation of peripherally inserted central catheters by nurse practitioners for patients with gastroenterological diseases in Japan: a single-center retrospective study

PURPOSE

As a safe and reliable alternative to central venous catheters (CVCs), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in clinical practice. However, the insertion of PICCs by nurse practitioners (NPs), especially in Japan, has not been reported extensively. Thus, we investigated the safety and efficiency of PICC insertions by NPs.

METHODS

The participants were 1322 patients who underwent PICC insertion by NPs at Fujita Health University Hospital (FNPs). The basilic vein in the brachium was the preferred vein for insertion; the brachial vein was the alternative. Patients were monitored from the time of PICC insertion until its removal. Ultrasonography-guided puncture was used for all catheter insertions, and the catheter tip was replaced into the superior vena cava under fluoroscopic imaging with maximal sterile barrier precautions. The outcomes of the PICC insertions by the FNPs were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

Overall, 23 FNPs inserted a collective total of 1322 PICCs, which remained in place for a collective total of 23,619 catheter days. The rate of successful PICC insertion was 99% (1310 patients). The median time taken for PICC insertion was 12 min (interquartile range, 10-15 min). Intraoperative complications occurred in two patients (0.2%). The confirmed incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection was 3.4% (45 patients), and these infections occurred on 1.9 per 1000 catheter days. The median duration of PICC placement was 15 days (range, 10-23 days).

CONCLUSION

PICC insertion by NPs is safe and a potential alternative to CVC insertion by surgeons.

Central Venous Catheters versus Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: A Comparison of Indwelling Time Resulting in Colonization by Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

BACKGROUND

The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) as an alternative to central venous catheters (CVCs) has steadily risen over the last two decades. However, there is an ongoing debate regarding research evidence that supports any clear advantages or disadvantages of them compared to traditional central venous lines. The present study was conducted to compare the indwelling time of CVC and PICC placements leading to microbial colonization by multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDROs) in critically ill patients.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective descriptive study was performed that reviewed the medical records of critically ill patients with colonized CVCs and PICCs who were hospitalized during a 24-month period (May 2019-May 2021). To evaluate the association between indwelling time of catheter placement and colonization rates, events were categorized into three groups, each representing a one-week time interval of catheter indwelling time: group 1: ≤7 days, group 2: 8-14 days, and group 3: >14 days.

RESULTS

A total of 207 hospitalized patients with colonized PICCs or CVCs were included in the study. Of these, 144 (69.5%) had a CVC placement and 63 (30.5%) had a PICC placement. The overall colonization rate (per 1.000 catheter/days) was 14.73 in the CVC and 5.67 in the PICC cohort (p = 0.003). In the group of PICCs, 12/63 (19%) of the pathogens were MDROs and 51/63 (81%) were non-MDROs, while in the group of CVCs, 86/144 (59.7%) were MDROs and 58/144 (40.3%) were non-MDROs (p < 0.001). The colonization rate in the CVC cohort, was 6.98 for group 1, 21.57 for group 2, and 21.6 for group 3 (p = 0.019). The colonization rate of MDROs was 3.27 for group 1, 14.47 for group 2, and 12.96 for group 3 (p = 0.025). Regarding the PICC cohort, the colonization rate was 1.49 for group 1, 3.19 for group 2, and 8.99 for group 3 (p = 0.047). No significant difference existed between the three groups in terms of MDRO pathogens, with the colonization rate being 0 for group 1, 0.8 for group 2, and 1.69 for group 3 (p = 0.78). Within the CVC cohort, the most common isolated microorganism was MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 44; 30.6%), followed by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 27; 18.7%). In the PICC cohort, the predominant isolated microorganism was Candida non-albicans (n = 15; 23.8%), followed by Candida albicans, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae in equal numbers (n = 6; 9.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that while the indwelling time of PICC placement was longer compared to CVCs, its colonization rate was considerably lower. Furthermore, high colonization rates by microorganisms, especially MDROs, arose later during catheterization in PICCs compared to CVCs, suggesting that in terms of vascular infections, PICCs may be a safer alternative to conventional CVCs for long-term intravenous access.

Construction of a nomogram risk prediction model for PICC-related venous thrombosis and its application

OBJECTIVE

To explore the risk factors of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related venous thrombosis and correspondingly construct a nomogram risk prediction model.

METHODS

The clinical data of 401 patients receiving PICC catheterization in our hospital from June 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The independent influencing factors for venous thrombosis were predicted using logistic regression analysis, and significant indicators were screened to construct a nomogram for predicting PICC-related venous thrombosis. The difference in predictive efficacy between simple clinical data and nomogram was analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the nomogram was internally validated.

RESULTS

Single-factor analysis showed that catheter tip position, plasma D-dimer concentration, venous compression, malignant tumor, diabetes, history of thrombosis, history of chemotherapy, and history of PICC/CVC catheterization were correlated with PICC-related venous thrombosis. Further multi-factor analysis revealed that catheter tip position, plasma D-dimer elevation, venous compression, history of thrombosis and history of PICC/CVC catheterization were the risk factors for PICC-related venous thrombosis. Based on binary logistic regression analysis, a nomogram prediction model for PICC-related venous thrombosis was constructed. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.876 (95%CI: 0.818-0.925), with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The independent risk factors for PICC-related venous thrombosis are screened out, including catheter tip position, plasma D-dimer elevation, venous compression, history of thrombosis and history of PICC/CVC catheterization, and a nomogram prediction model with good effect is constructed to predict the risk of PICC-related venous thrombosis.

Efficacy of antimicrobial peripherally inserted central catheters in line-associated bloodstream infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Several studies have investigated the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and the results are conflicting. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize and identify the effect of antimicrobial PICCs on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) risk.

METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science was performed to identify relevant studies up to December 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies were included for analysis. There were 7 retrospective/prospective cohort studies and 2 randomized controlled trials. The 9 studies involved 51,373 patients with PICCs. Among these patients, 6,563 (12.8%) antimicrobial-coated/impregnated PICCs and 44,810 (87.2%) nonantimicrobial-impregnated PICCs were inserted. The meta-analysis showed that antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk compared with noncoated PICCs (relative risk [RR] = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.43-1.05). In the subgroup analysis, minocycline-rifampin-(RR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.19-0.49) or chlorhexidine-coated (RR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.04-8.55) PICCs showed an association with reduced risk of CLABSI. In the adult population, antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk (RR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.20-1.22).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that antimicrobial PICCs had a nonsignificant association with lower CLABSI risk compared with noncoated PICCs. Minocycline-rifampin-or chlorhexidine-coated PICCs showed an association with reduced risk of CLABSI.

Published trends and research hotspots of central venous catheter-associated thrombosis from 1973 to 2022: A scientometric analysis

This study aims to explore the intellectual landscape and research hotspots in the central venous catheter-related thrombosis (CVC-RT) research field. Studies discussing CVC-RT published from 1973 to 2022 in the Web of Science Core Collection database were retrieved on February 24th, 2022. Citespace was used to perform a scientometric analysis to identify the intellectual landscape and research hotspots in the research fields of CVC-RT. A total of 4358 studies were retrieved, with an ascending trend in publication numbers. The United States of America was the most influential country. The Journal of Vascular Access published the most studies, and McMaster University was the most prolific institution. The results showed that the focus population of CVC-RT research has changed from pediatric patients to cancer patients, the management of CVC-RT has become more formal and standardized, and the focused CVC type has shifted to port and peripherally inserted central catheters. In addition, seventeen active burst keywords were detected, such as patient safety, clinical practice guidelines, and postthrombotic syndrome. This study comprehensively reviewed publications related to CVC-RT. The research topics on patient safety, clinical practice guidelines, and postthrombotic syndrome related to CVC-RT may be future hotspots.

Anatomical Structures to Be Concerned With During Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Procedures

BACKGROUND

The central line has been frequently used for drug and nutrition supply and regular blood sampling of patients with chronic diseases. However, this procedure is performed in a highly sensitive area and has several potential complications. Therefore, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), which have various advantages, are being extensively used. Although the number of PICC procedures is increasing, the anatomy for safe procedures has not yet been properly established. Therefore, we studied basic anatomical information for safe procedures.

METHODS

We used 20 fixed cadavers (40 arms) donated to the Korea University College of Medicine. The mean age was 76.75 years (range, 48-94 years). After dissection of each arm, the distribution pattern of the basilic vein and close structures was recorded, and some important parameters based on bony landmarks were measured. In addition, the number of vein branches (axillary region) and basilic vein diameter were also checked.

RESULTS

The mean length from the insertion site to the right atrium was 38.39 ± 2.63 cm (left) and 34.66 ± 3.60 cm (right), and the basilic vein diameter was 4.93 ± 1.18 mm (left) and 4.08 ± 1.49 mm (right). The data showed significant differences between the left and right arms (P < 0.05). The mean distance from the basilic vein to brachial artery was 8.29 ± 2.78 mm in men and 7.81 ± 2.78 mm in women, while the distance to the ulnar nerve was 5.41 ± 1.67 mm in men and 5.52 ± 2.06 mm in women.

CONCLUSION

According to these results, the right arm has a shorter distance from the insertion site to the right atrium, and the left arm has a wider vein diameter, which is advantageous for the procedure. In addition, the ulnar nerve and brachial artery were located close to or behind the insertion site. Therefore, special attention is required during the procedure to avoid damaging these important structures.

Quantified versus willful handgrip exercises for the prevention of PICC-related thrombosis: A meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Thrombosis is a common yet serious complication in patients with peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), the prevention of thrombosis is very important to the prognosis of PICC patients. We aimed to evaluate the effects of quantified versus willful grip exercises for the prevention of PICC-related thrombosis, to provide evidence to the clinical nursing care of PICC patients.

METHODS

Two authors searched PubMed et al databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of quantified versus willful grip exercises in PICC patients up to August 31, 2022. Quality assessment and data extraction were independently performed by 2 researchers, and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

15 RCTs involving 1741 PICC patients were finally included in this meta-analysis. Synthesized outcomes indicated that compared with willful grip exercises, quantified grip exercises reduced the incidence of PICC-related thrombosis (odds ratio = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.12-0.31) and infection (odds ratio = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.15-0.60) in PICC patients, increased the maximum venous velocity (mean difference = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.87-4.17) and mean blood flow (mean difference = 3.10, 95%CI: 1.57-4.62) in PICC patients (all P < .05). There were no publication biases amongst the synthesized outcomes (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Quantified grip exercises can effectively reduce the occurrence of PICC-related thrombosis and infection, improve the venous hemodynamics. Limited by study population and regions, large-sample, and high-quality RCTs are still needed in the future to further evaluate the effects and safety of quantified grip exercises in PICC patients.