Peripherally inserted central venous catheter in Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Feasibility and Outcome

Abstract

Objectives: This study describes our experience using PICC in patients submitted to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) regarding the time of use, withdrawal reasons, and complications.

Methods: A retrospective cohort of 143 patients from 2017 and 2019, with a PICC inserted before the ASCT.  

Results: Regarding baseline disease, 104 (73%) of patients had multiple myeloma. The median days of use was 15 (1 – 37) per catheter. More than 80% of PICC remained in place after D+15, and 112 (78%) patients had the PICC removed at discharge. Only 13 (9%) patients had replacement of the PICC. The rates of central line associate bloodstream infection and thrombosis were 1.36 and 1.36 events per 1,000 PICC days, respectively.

Conclusions: PICCs were successfully remained until discharge, with manageable rates of complications. All procedures were executed by nurses at the bedside. We concluded that PICC is a safe and feasible alternative to CVC for ASCT.