title: Subcutaneous portacath utilization in pediatric oncology patients: Ramathibodi Hospital experience.
abstract: Subcutaneous portacaths (SQP) placement in 19 pediatric oncology patients were studied. Complications of SQP were evaluated. Two patients had premature SQP removal due to fungal infection and breakage, 1 for each. Two patients had catheter-related bacteremia which was resolved by antibiotic administration. Only 1 patient had occasional difficult blood drawing episodes, because the tip of catheter was inserted through external jugular vein instead of subclavian vein. There were no other serious complications except that some of them had clotted formations, which were resolved easily by urokinase administration. Long-term SQP utilization was possible in 17 of 19 patients, with the average time of 7.5 months. Few complications occurred in the group of patients studied. SQP improved quality of medical care and significantly lessened the anxiety of patients who need long-term chemotherapy treatment. Therefore, placement of the intravenous access device is feasible for pediatric oncology patients in Thailand. The patients are no longer suffering from repeated venipunctures. Although it is expensive, it is convenient and useful for some patients with relatively high socioeconomic status. It should be considered for every pediatric cancer patient who needs prolonged chemotherapy and who has affordable means.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Panthangkool
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singhapakdi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Teeraratkul
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molagool
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pakakasama
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hathirat
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hongeng
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013785:Thailand
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents