[Prospective evaluation of PICC line related complications].
OBJECTIVE
To report the occurrence of complications following placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Materials and methods. A total of 127 PICC lines were placed in 115 patients for TPN (n=54), long-term antibiotics (n=29), chemotherapy (n=14) or miscellaneous intravenous therapy (n=18).


RESULTS
All PICC lines were successfully inserted. PICC lines were used for a mean duration of 16 days (1-166 days). The following complications were recorded: occlusion (7%), rupture (1.6%), accidental withdrawal (2.4%), infection (3.1%) and venous thrombosis (2.4%).


CONCLUSIONS
PICC lines are a simple, safe and effective alternative to conventional central venous catheters. The occurrence of complications, typically "mechanical", must be reduced and prevented by strict management of this type of central line by the treating team.
Vidal
V
V
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Timone Adulte, Marseille Cedex 05, France. vincent.vidal@ap-hm.fr
Muller
C
C
Jacquier
A
A
Giorgi
R
R
Le Corroller
T
T
Gaubert
J  Y
J
Champsaur
P
P
Bartoli
J  M
J
Moulin
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents