Clinical outcomes of management of CVAD occlusions. Issue 9 (11th March 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Calvin; Monagle, Paul; Newall, Fiona
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 96:Issue 9(2011)
• Page Start: 885
• Page End: 887
• Publication Date: 2011-03-11
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.2010.194969
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Central venous access device (CVAD) occlusions are commonly treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Eighty-seven patients with 97 catheters at The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne were given tPA as per clinical practice guidelines. Restoration of CVAD patency and long-term CVAD survival were measured. Cumulative CVAD restoration rates for tPA treatment were 68.5% and 78.7% after one and two doses, respectively. A significantly lower rate of successful tPA treatment was found in implantable ports (46.2% compared with 81% for Hickman catheters). CVAD time of survival until non-elective removal for 3 months, 6 months and 12 months was 64%, 57% and 47%, respectively. The authors conclude that tPA is safe and effective in extending the life of occluded CVADs occlusions by months to years but is less effective in implantable ports.