Purpose: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) especially in patients suffering from cancer. We analyzed the incidence, risk factors, and patterns of PICC-related VTE in cancer patients.
Patients and Methods: Patients with cancer who underwent PICC placement were evaluated retrospectively. Routine, prospective ultrasound post-PICC placement was used for asymptomatic and symptomatic patients to identify VTE. Multivariable logistic regression models with odds ratios (ORs) were used to examine VTE risk factors.
Results: Of 2353 PICCs placed, 165 patients (7.01%) developed PICC-related VTE with a median thrombosis time of 12 days. After adjustment of multivariable analysis, patients with PICC-related VTE were more likely to have a ratio of PICC diameter:vein diameter > 0.35 (adjusted OR, 1.689; 95% CI, 1.023– 2.789) and high level of triglycerides (1.561; 1.096– 2.223). The prevalence of A (adjusted OR, 1.680; 95% CI, 1.009– 2.798), B (1.835; 1.137– 2.961), and AB (3.275; 1.840– 5.829) blood group was significantly higher than that of the O blood group in VTE patients. Venous recanalization was observed in 44.8% (74/165) patients after anticoagulation therapy, and more often in patients with combined deep VTE than in patients with isolated superficial VTE (OR, 17.942; 95% CI, 5.427– 59.316). The recanalization time was 20± 5 (range, 10– 31) days.
Conclusion: The non-O blood group, larger ratio of PICC diameter:vein diameter, and high level of triglycerides were significantly associated with PICC-related VTE. Almost half of cases of PICC-related deep VTE could be reversed by anticoagulation treatment.
Keywords: recanalization, ultrasound, venous thromboembolism