Thrombotic risk factors in patients undergoing chemotherapy via peripherally inserted central catheter

Objective: To evaluate risk factors for venous thrombosis in patients undergoing chemotherapy via peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Methods: Data regarding age, sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, diagnosis, medical history, family history of thrombosis, haemoglobin level, and white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts were prospectively collected from consecutively recruited patients. Patients were evaluated using six thrombotic risk-assessment scales prior to PICC. Assessments of the general venous system and the catheterized vein and limb were made. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was diagnosed by colour Doppler ultrasonography. Thrombosis risk factors were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results: Thrombosis occurred in 12/188 patients (6.38%). Age >60 years, BMI >25 kg/m(2) and WBC > 11.4 x 10(9)/l were identified as independent risk factors for thrombosis. The incidence of thrombosis was 16.6% (12/72) in patients with one or more risk factors, and 55.5% (five of nine) in those with two or more risk factors. Conclusions: Age >60 years, BMI >25 kg/m(2) and WBC > 1.4 x 10(9)/l are major risk factors for thrombosis in Chinese patients undergoing PICC chemotherapy.