Peripherally inserted central catheters in children.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in pediatric patients.


METHODS
The authors attempted to place PICCs in 122 patients aged 9 days to 19 years (mean, 6.82 years; median, 5 years). Catheters were placed to allow prolonged administration of antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents (n = 50), provide total parenteral nutrition (n = 41), and establish prolonged intravenous access for blood draws and fluid administration (n = 31). Silicone catheters measuring 3, 4, and 5 F were inserted in either basilic or cephalic veins and positioned at the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium under fluoroscopic guidance. Patients were monitored for complications until devices were removed.


RESULTS
Fluoroscopically guided PICC placement was successful in 137 of 148 attempts. Postinsertion complications included mechanical defects of the catheter, PICC-related infection, occlusion of the PICC, and venous stasis. Complications occurred at a rate comparable to those seen with blind insertion.


CONCLUSIONS
Fluoroscopically guided PICC placement is feasible and safe in pediatric patients.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001367:Axillary Vein; D001424:Bacterial Infections; D016121:Brachiocephalic Veins; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005542:Forearm / Q000098:blood supply; D006325:Heart Atria; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D015642:Radiology, Interventional; D012828:Silicones; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012828:Silicones