Q: Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheters, popularly known as PICCs are know to carry higher risk of upper extremities deep venous thrombosis (UE-DVT). All of the following are associated with higher risk of UE-DVT except? 

A) Right-sided insertion
B) Vancomycin infusion
C) TPN infusion
D) Basilic placement
E) Renal failure



 Answer: A

One recent study of 400 patients published from St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown, OH showed that following factors are associated with increased risk of UE-DVTs

•  trauma
• renal failure
• left-sided catheters
•  basilic placement
• TPN, and 
• infusion with antibiotics, specifically vancomycin

Interestingly, prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin, unfractionated heparin or use of warfarin did not prevent the development of venous thrombosis in patients with PICCs


Reference: 

Marnejon T, Angelo D, Abu Abdou A, Gemmel D. Risk factors for upper extremity venous thrombosis associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters. J Vasc Access 2012; 13:231.