Long Peripheral Catheters: A Retrospective Review of Major Complications

J Hosp Med. 2019 Dec 1;14(12):758-760. doi: 10.12788/jhm.3313. Epub 2019 Oct 23.

Abstract

The risk of infectious and noninfectious complications associated with long peripheral catheters (LPCs) is unknown. In this retrospective study of 539 catheters, we found LPCs were often placed for the indications of difficult access and long-term antibiotics. Rates of deep vein thrombosis (1.7%) and catheter-related infection (0.6%) were low. LPCs may represent a novel and safe option for short-term venous access.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Catheter-Related Infections / diagnosis
  • Catheter-Related Infections / etiology*
  • Catheter-Related Infections / therapy
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / adverse effects*
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / instrumentation
  • Catheterization, Peripheral / trends
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / trends
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Venous Thrombosis / therapy