Experience with central intravenous catheters in a paediatric oncology unit

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Abstract
During a 4-yr period, 57 children with malignant disease had a central i.v. catheter inserted to facilitate administration of cytotoxic drugs and parenteral nutrition. Despite the fact that all children were immunosuppressed and frequently profoundly neutropenic, only 3 episodes of septicemia occurred as a direct result of catheter infection. Local damage to the silastic catheter tubing was the most common problem encountered. Education of the parents and child in the techniques of catheter care is probably the main factor in avoiding complications. The availability of a central i.v. catheter reduces psychological and physical trauma to the child and results in a considerable improvement in the child''s general care. Insertion of a central catheter is apparently recommended in all children with malignant disease who require intensive therapy.