DVTs in PICCs

Q: Which of the following group has a higher risk of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) related Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)? (select one) 

A) Cancer patients 

B) Critically ill patients 

Answer: B 

In the last few years, PICCs have been extremely popular in hospitals. There is an increased tendency to insert PICC during hospitalization to avoid the need for intravenous (IV) catheters. 

It should be reminded that PICCs are not very safe as well. In fact, they carry a higher risk of DVTs. ICU patients with PICCs have almost double the risk of developing DVTs than patients who have Central Venous Cathers (CVCs) inserted in ICU. 

The risk of DVT in ICU patients from PICC continues to be doubled than floor/ward patients and patients who have PICCs inserted for long-term chemotherapy.

#procedure

#hematology

References:

1. Winters JP, Callas PW, Cushman M, et al. Central venous catheters and upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in medical inpatients: the Medical Inpatients and Thrombosis (MITH) Study. J Thromb Haemost 2015; 13:2155.

2. Chopra V, Anand S, Hickner A, et al. Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2013; 382:311.