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Abstract

Background : Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) have been used extensively as a cost‐effective and safe form of medium‐term intravascular access. There are only limited data about complications of PICC lines in oncology patients despite theoretical concerns about the higher risks of complications in these patients as a result of cancer itself and cancer therapy.

Aims : To document the frequency and type of PICC complications in patients with solid tumours.

Methods : All patients with solid tumours who were treated at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia between January 2000 and March 2001 were included in a retrospective review of PICC complications.

Results : Twenty‐seven PICC lines were inserted in 17 patients; 40.7% (11/27) of PICC lines developed complications requiring early removal of the PICC. Complications encountered were sepsis (systemic and …