Document Type
Article
Department
Radiation Oncology
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the complication rate of (PICCs) peripherally inserted central catheters in cancer patients with a 1 year prospective cohort study.
METHODS: All PICCs inserted in adult cancer patients in Radiology Department of The Aga Khan University Hospital were followed prospectively till removed or patient expired and pattern of complications noted.
RESULTS: One hundred and fourty six PICCs were inserted over a period of 1 year and followed for a total of 3329 catheter-days; median placement, 14 days: range 3-218 days. Of these 67 (32.8%) PICCs were complicated and removed earlier, for a rate of 14.4/1000 PICC-days. Patients with haematologic malignancies were more likely to have complications as compared to those with solid tissue malignancies.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant complication rate, PICCs are a relatively safe and cost effective method of establishing central venous access.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Recommended Citation
Haider, G.,
Kumar, S.,
Salam, B.,
Masood, N.,
Jamal, A.,
Rasheed, Y.
(2009). Determination of complication rate of PICC lines in oncological patients. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 59(10), 663-7.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_radiat_oncol/5