Peripherally inserted central venous catheter-associated thrombosis: Retrospective analysis of clinical risk factors in adult patients

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are common venous access devices. Clinical conditions and therapies that increase the risk of PICC-associated thrombosis have not been studied. Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control analysis of all adult patients who underwent placement of a PICC at our hospital over a three-year period (n = 1296). Clinical variables examined were indication for PICC placement, active cancer treatment, history of DVT, diabetes mellitus, and use of prophylactic anticoagulation. Results: The overall incidence of PICC-associated DVT was 2% (n = 27). Active cancer therapy was significantly associated with PICC-associated DVT (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.3-9.8). The use of prophylactic anticoagulation did not reduce this risk. Conclusions: Patients who suffered a PICC-associated DVT were more likely to be undergoing treatment for cancer. This risk was not lowered by the use of prophylactic anticoagulation. These results suggest a need for prospective studies on effective anticoagulation for patients at high risk for PICC-associated DVT.