Short-term complications of central line placement in children with the human immunodeficiency virus

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the perioperative complications of central venous catheter placement in children infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all central venous catheters placed by the surgical service into HIV-infected children from 1988 to 1998 at a large urban children's hospital, Complications occurring within 1 month of catheter placement were analyzed for several host and environmental factors. Results: Forty HIV-positive patients underwent 60 central venous access procedures. Thirty-two of the patients were severely immunosuppressed. Eight catheter placements (13%) resulted in perioperative complications, including hemorrhage (n = 2), site infection (n = 2), catheter sepsis (n = 2), thrombotic occlusion (n = 1), and a pleural effusion secondary to catheter malposition (n = 1). Only 3 patients required catheter removal. There was no significant relation-ship between either hemophilia or thrombocytopenia and perioperative hemorrhage. No significant relationship was found between infectious complications and preoperative white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, CD4% and CD4#, suggesting that a patient's compromised immune status should not be considered a contraindication to central venous catheter placement. Conclusion. The complication rate of central venous catheter placement into HIV-infected children is low (< 15%), but is still higher than that of the general pediatric population. With careful preoperative preparation this procedure can be performed safely, even in patients with advanced HIV disease. Copyright (C) 2001 by WB, Saunders Company.