Patients with thrombocytopenia: outcome of radiologic placement of central venous access devices.
OBJECTIVE
To determine prospectively the outcome of radiologic placement of central venous access devices in patients with thrombocytopenia.


METHODS
In 105 patients, 87 catheters, 10 arm port systems, and eight chest port systems were placed radiologically. Devices and patients were separated into group A (n = 37; platelet count < 50,000 x 10(6)/L [50 x 10(9)/L]), group B (n = 35; platelet count, 50-100,000 x 10(6)/L [0.05-100 x 10(9)/L]), and group C (n = 33; platelet count, > 100,000 x 10(6)/L [100 x 10(9)/L]). Patients in group A received platelet transfusions during implantation. Patients were followed up for up to 8 weeks (mean, 41.2 days). Success and complication rates (immediate and delayed) were determined for each group.


RESULTS
There were no bleeding complications that necessitated intervention in patients with thrombocytopenia (groups A and B). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates per "catheter days" among the three groups (4.2 per 1,000 catheter days in group A, 4.6 per 1,000 catheter days in group B, and 5.2 per 1,000 catheter days in group C). Postprocedure platelet counts increased only slightly (mean, 11,500 x 10(6)/L [11.5 x 10(9)/L]) in patients in group A.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiologic placement of central venous access devices can be performed safely in patients with thrombocytopenia.
Ray
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CE
Department of Radiology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
Shenoy
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D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015641:Radiography, Interventional / Q000009:adverse effects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology