Use of subcutaneous implantable infusion systems in neoplastic and AIDS patients requiring long-term venous access.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the life span and complication rates of totally implantable infusion devices in patients with short bowel syndrome and in immunocompromised patients with AIDS, lymphoma, and myeloma who required long-term central venous access.


METHODS
Prospective open study.


METHODS
University hospital, Italy.


METHODS
Group I - 5 patients with short bowel syndrome; group II - 11 patients with AIDS; and group III - 15 patients with lymphoma or multiple myeloma (1 of whom had 2 devices implanted).


METHODS
Duration of implantation and incidence of catheter-related complications.


RESULTS
The mean duration/patient of the catheter was 422 days (range 20-1257) in group I; 104 days (range 43-262) in group II; and 415 days (range 62-1280) in group III. There were no catheter related complications in the patients in group I (short bowel syndrome). Of the 11 patients with AIDS (group II) 4 developed catheter related infections (0.32/100 catheter days), and 1 developed a thrombotic occlusion. All 5 catheters were removed (3 for infection). Of the 15 patients with lymphoma or myeloma who had 16 catheters implanted (group III), 1 patient developed 3 infective episodes (0.05/100 catheter days), 1 catheter migrated and 1 occluded. All 3 catheters were removed.


CONCLUSIONS
Totally implantable infusion systems can safely be used for prolonged periods in immunocompromised patients, including those with AIDS if their life expectancy is reasonable.
Dionigi
P
P
Department of Surgery, University of Pavia, Italy.
Cebrelli
T
T
Jemos
V
V
Minoli
L
L
Gobbi
P
P
Dimitrov
G
G
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D000328:Adult; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D015918:Infusion Pumps, Implantable / Q000009:adverse effects; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000628:therapy*; D012778:Short Bowel Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D015996:Survival Rate