title: Port-a-Cath-related complications in 252 patients with solid tissue tumours and the first report of heparin-induced delayed hypersensitivity after Port-a-Cath heparinisation.
abstract: The use of the subcutaneous Port-a-Catheters (Port-a-Caths) provides an important mean of venous access for oncological patients. The aim of our retrospective consecutive single-centre study was to investigate Port-a-Cath-related complications in 252 cancer patients. Overall period of Port-a-Caths maintenance was 25 months. The strategy of our centre is to keep Port-a-Caths in situ up to the end of follow-up in adjuvant cancer patients. A total of 22 complications were recorded (8.73%). Interventional complications occurred in four patients. The main complications during Port-a-Cath use included thrombosis (4 patients, 1.58%), infections (4 patients, 1.58%), persistent pain or discomfort (3 patients, 1.19%) and dislocations (2 patients, 0.79%). Median time to the occurrence of any type of complications was 4.5 months. Eleven Port-a-Caths were removed due to complications (4.36%). Similar rate of Port-a-Cath-related thrombosis/infection was seen in adjuvant and advanced cancer patients (no statistical significance). Continuous infusion of anticancer therapy via a Port-a-Cath system is a relatively safe procedure, although major complications might occur. We are first to describe heparin-induced delayed hypersensitivity after heparinisation of Port-a-Cath. This fact should influence the preference to keep the Port-a-Cath after completion of adjuvant anticancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: L & A Seràgnoli Department of Hematology and Oncological Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. ingridgaraj@hotmail.com
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Garajová
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nepoti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Paragona
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brandi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Biasco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D062905:Central Venous Catheters / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D059035:Perioperative Period; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006493:Heparin