• Zehra Fadoo, Muhammad I Nisar, Raza Iftikhar, Sajida Ali, Naureen Mushtaq, and Raza Sayani.
• *Department of Pediatrics and Child Health and Department of Oncology †Department of Pediatrics and Child Health §Department of Radiology, Aga Khan University ‡Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan.
• J. Pediatr. Hematol. Oncol. 2015 Oct 1; 37 (7): e421-3.

PurposePeripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) have been successfully used to provide central access for chemotherapy and frequent transfusions. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of PICCs and determine PICC-related complications in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a resource-poor setting.MethodsAll pediatric patients (age below 16 y) with hematologic and malignant disorders who underwent PICC line insertion at Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2008 to June 2010 were enrolled in the study. Demographic features, primary diagnosis, catheter days, complications, and reasons for removal of device were recorded.ResultsTotal of 36 PICC lines were inserted in 32 pediatric patients. Complication rate of 5.29/1000 catheter days was recorded. Our study showed comparable complication profile such as infection rate, occlusion, breakage, and dislodgement. The median catheter life was found to be 69 days.ConclusionsWe conclude that PICC lines are feasible in a resource-poor setting and recommend its use for chemotherapy administration and prolonged venous access.

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