Peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

Establishment and validation of a predictive model for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in hospitalized patients with liver cancer for the administration of chemotherapy, nutrition, and other medications. However, PICC-related thrombosis is a serious complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality in this patient population. Several risk factors have been identified for the development of PICC-related thrombosis, including cancer type, stage, comorbidities, and catheter characteristics. Understanding these risk factors and developing a predictive model can help healthcare providers identify high-risk patients and implement preventive measures to reduce the incidence of thrombosis.

AIM

To analyze the influencing factors of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer, construct a predictive model, and validate it.

METHODS

Clinical data of hospitalized patients with liver cancer admitted from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected. Thirty-five cases of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer were collected, and 220 patients who underwent PICC placement during the same period but did not develop PICC-related thrombosis were randomly selected as controls. A total of 255 samples were collected and used as the training set, and 77 cases were collected as the validation set in a 7:3 ratio. General patient information, case data, catheterization data, coagulation indicators, and Autar Thrombosis Risk Assessment Scale scores were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed on relevant factors, and the value of combined indicators in predicting PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in age, sex, Karnofsky performance status score (KPS), bedridden time, activities of daily living impairment, parenteral nutrition, catheter duration, distant metastasis, and bone marrow suppression between the thrombosis group and the non-thrombosis group. Other aspects had no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that age ≥ 60 years, KPS score ≤ 50 points, parenteral nutrition, stage III to IV, distant metastasis, bone marrow suppression, and activities of daily living impairment were independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer (P < 0.05). Catheter duration of 1-6 months and catheter duration > 6 months were protective factors for PICC-related thrombosis (P < 0.05). The predictive model for PICC-related thrombosis was obtained as follows: P predictive probability = [exp (Logit P)]/[1 + exp (Logit P)], where Logit P = age × 1.907 + KPS score × 2.045 + parenteral nutrition × 9.467 + catheter duration × 0.506 + tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging × 2.844 + distant metastasis × 2.065 + bone marrow suppression × 2.082 + activities of daily living impairment × 13.926. ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.827 (95%CI: 0.724-0.929, P < 0.001), with a corresponding optimal cut-off value of 0.612, sensitivity of 0.755, and specificity of 0.857. Calibration curve analysis showed good consistency between the predicted occurrence of PICC-related thrombosis and actual occurrence (P > 0.05). ROC analysis showed AUCs of 0.888 and 0.729 for the training and validation sets, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Age, KPS score, parenteral nutrition, TNM staging, distant metastasis, bone marrow suppression, and activities of daily living impairment are independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer, while catheter duration is a protective factor for the disease. The predictive model has an AUC of 0.827, indicating high predictive accuracy and clinical value.

Central venous access device terminologies, complications, and reason for removal in oncology: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Lack of agreed terminology and definitions in healthcare compromises communication, patient safety, optimal management of adverse events, and research progress. The purpose of this scoping review was to understand the terminologies used to describe central venous access devices (CVADs), associated complications and reasons for premature removal in people undergoing cancer treatment. It also sought to identify the definitional sources for complications and premature removal reasons. The objective was to map language and descriptions used and to explore opportunities for standardisation.

METHODS

A systematic search of MedLine, PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL Complete and Embase databases was performed. Eligibility criteria included, but were not limited to, adult patients with cancer, and studies published between 2017 and 2022. Articles were screened and data extracted in Covidence. Data charting included study characteristics and detailed information on CVADs including terminologies and definitional sources for complications and premature removal reasons. Descriptive statistics, tables and bar graphs were used to summarise charted data.

RESULTS

From a total of 2363 potentially eligible studies, 292 were included in the review. Most were observational studies (n = 174/60%). A total of 213 unique descriptors were used to refer to CVADs, with all reasons for premature CVAD removal defined in 84 (44%) of the 193 studies only, and complications defined in 56 (57%) of the 292 studies. Where available, definitions were author-derived and/or from national resources and/or other published studies.

CONCLUSION

Substantial variation in CVAD terminology and a lack of standard definitions for associated complications and premature removal reasons was identified. This scoping review demonstrates the need to standardise CVAD nomenclature to enhance communication between healthcare professionals as patients undergoing cancer treatment transition between acute and long-term care, to enhance patient safety and rigor of research protocols, and improve the capacity for data sharing.

Risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter-related venous thrombosis in adult patients with cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to understand and analyze the risk factors of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related venous thrombosis in adult patients with cancer.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included adult patients with cancer who underwent color Doppler ultrasound at the Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, and Xiangya Changde Hospital, Hunan Province, from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors of PICC-related venous thrombosis.

RESULTS

After risk adjustment, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between PICC-related venous thrombosis and age > 65 years old (OR: 1.791, CI: 1.343-2.389), male sex (OR: 1.398, CI: 1.057-1.849), white blood cell count > 9.5 × 109 /L (OR: 1.422, CI: 1.041-1.942), APTT < 25 s (OR: 2.006, CI: 1.431-2.811), gastrointestinal tumor (OR: 2.191, CI: 1.406-3.414), infection (OR:7.619, CI: 5.783-10.037), the use of cisplatin (OR: 2.374, CI: 1.714-3.214), vincristine (OR: 2.329, CI: 1.447-3.749), the use of polyurethane (OR: 2.449, CI: 1.863-3.219) and open-ended catheters (OR:1.660, CI: 1.131-2.439), keeping time of the catheter (days) (OR: 1.003, CI: 1.001-1.005) were associated with PICC-related venous thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

We identified that the presence of age > 65 years old, male sex, white blood cell count > 9.5 × 109 /L, APTT < 25 s, gastrointestinal tumor, infection, the use of cisplatin and vincristine, the use of polyurethane, open-ended catheters and keeping time of the catheter (days), were associated with PICC-related venous thrombosis.

Efficacy and Safety of a DOAC Compared to Unfractionated Heparin and A Low Molecular Weight Heparin in the Prevention of Thromboembolism in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Background

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients are at risk of thromboembolic events, making thromboprophylaxis crucial.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare apixaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor (DOAC), with dalteparin and unfractionated heparin for thromboprophylaxis in HSCT recipients. The safety outcome included the assessment of hemorrhagic events.

Methods

In this open-label randomized clinical trial, 182 HSCT recipients were divided into three groups: Apixaban (n = 61, 2.5 mg two times a day), dalteparin (n = 59, 5000 IU daily), and unfractionated heparin (n = 62, 5000 IU twice daily). These anticoagulant regimens were administered after central vein catheterization and during hospitalization. The primary clinical outcome was the risk of thrombosis, and the secondary outcome was the rate of bleeding. Relevant laboratory results were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

Among the 61 patients in the apixaban group, six experienced thrombosis (9.83%), with four (6.65%) of them on anticoagulants. In the dalteparin group, three patients (5%) developed thrombosis, two of whom (3.38%) were on anticoagulants. In the heparin group, all four thrombosis cases (6.4%) occurred in patients on anticoagulants (P = 0.543 overall and P = 0.776 in anticoagulant users). Only two cases of bleeding were reported (1.09% overall), one in the dalteparin group (1.69%) and the other in the apixaban group (1.63%).

Conclusions

Apixaban, dalteparin, and heparin demonstrated similar effectiveness in preventing thromboembolism in HSCT recipients. Furthermore, the comparison of bleeding rates across the study groups did not reveal significant differences. Larger studies with higher event rates may yield more precise conclusions.

Risks factors and outcomes for isolated catheter-related deep venous thrombosis in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) require indwelling central venous catheters. The comparative incidence, risk, and outcome of isolated catheter-related deep venous thrombosis (CR-DVT) versus pulmonary embolism/lower-extremity DVT (PE/LE-DVT) remains unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study for patients undergoing allo-HSCT from 2006 to 2019. CR-DVT and PE/LE-DVT outcomes were screened using ICD codes and radiology reports and confirmed by medical record reviews. Cox regression models were used to assess the association between thrombotic outcomes and pertinent baseline and time-varying covariates. The impact of thrombotic events within 1-year post-transplant (time-varying) on overall mortality was also assessed.

RESULTS

Among 2879 patients, the cumulative incidence of isolated CR-DVT and PE/LE-DVT at 12 months was 4.2 % and 4.8 %, respectively. The strongest time-varying predictor for onset of CR-DVT and PE/LE-DVT was hospitalization inpatient status (HR 3.71 [95 % CI 2.16-6.37] and 3.99 [95 % CI 2.00-7.99], respectively). Other overlapping variables included lymphoma diagnosis and BMI > 35 kg/m2, whereas acute GVHD grades 2-4 were found to be significantly associated with risk of PE/LE-DVT but not CR-DVT. After adjusting for baseline variables and acute GVHD, the occurrences of CR-DVT and PE/LE-DVT were both independently associated with increased overall mortality (HR 1.58 [95 % CI 1.23-2.02] and HR 1.53 [95 % CI 1.19-1.97], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a high incidence of both CR-DVT and PE/LE-DVT with overlapping and unique risk factors. CR-DVT was also associated with increased mortality similar to PE/LE-DVT. Standardized strategies targeting high-risk hospitalization periods may help mitigate the development of thrombotic outcomes post-transplant.

Safety of Cryopreserved Stem Cell Infusion through a Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter

The management of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation requires a multipurpose central venous catheter (CVC) to facilitate drug administration, parenteral nutrition, transfusion of blood products, and collection of blood samples. Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) appear to meet these requirements but are rarely used for stem cell infusion. We aimed to retrospectively assess the safety and feasibility of stem cell infusion through PICC and to evaluate its impact on transplantation kinetics. We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation in patients receiving cryopreserved autologous or allogeneic PBSC by PICCs and compared the results with patients receiving transplants through a conventionally inserted central venous catheter (CICC). Despite statistically significant differences in CD34+ dose, infusion rate, and total length of administration, the clinical outcomes of transplantation, exemplified by platelet and neutrophil engraftment, along with the length of hospitalization, were not affected by the prolonged infusion time and lower infusion velocity in the PICC group. Our study showed that the clinical outcomes of PBSC transplantation did not differ between the PICC and CICC groups, suggesting that both types of catheters can be implemented in a PBSC transplantation setting.

The incidence and risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheters in hospitalized patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) can be fatal if not treated promptly, and individual studies have reported wide variability in rates of VTE associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). We thus conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the overall incidence and risk of developing PICC-related VTE in hospitalized patients.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases from inception until January 26, 2022. In studies with a non-comparison arm, the pooled incidence of PICC-related VTE was calculated. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated to assess the risk of VTE in the studies that compared PICC to the central venous catheter (CVC). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess methodological quality.

Results

A total of 75 articles (58 without a comparison arm and 17 with), including 109292 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The overall pooled incidence of symptomatic VTE was 3.7% (95% CI: 3.1–4.4) in non-comparative studies. In the subgroup meta-analysis, the incidence of VTE was highest in patients who were in a critical care setting (10.6%; 95% CI: 5.0–17.7). Meta-analysis of comparative studies revealed that PICC was associated with a statistically significant increase in the odds of VTE events compared with CVC (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.83–3.37; P < 0.01). However, in subgroup analysis stratified by the study design, there was no significant difference in VTE events between the PICC and CVC in randomized controlled trials (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.77–6.74; P = 0.13).

Conclusion

Best practice standards such as PICC tip verification and VTE prophylaxis can help reduce the incidence and risk of PICC-related VTE. The risk-benefit of inserting PICC should be carefully weighed, especially in critically ill patients. Cautious interpretation of our results is important owing to substantial heterogeneity among the studies included in this study.

A six-year study of complications related to peripherally inserted central catheters: A multi-center retrospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), the most frequent central venous catheter, are used to provide medical treatments, although long-term PICC-related adverse outcomes are unknown in China. This study systematically investigated PICC-related complications in four Chinese hospitals.

METHODS

Between January 2014 and January 2020, we analyzed the results of 3550 patients with PICC who were referred to four Chinese hospitals. All patients underwent PICC treatment in four Chinese hospitals. Patient-reported signs and symptoms of a putative PICC-related complication or functional were studied. Long-term outcomes and hospitalization costs were also evaluated.

RESULTS

An aggregate of 3285 patients were enrolled in the analytic cohort. 58.6% were females and 41.4% were males. The most common reasons for PICC placement included oncologic malignancy and critically ill patients. The majority of PICCs had valved systems (90.7%) and were implanted in the right side (85.5%) and into the basilic vein (87.7%). At least one potential PICC-related problem or adverse effects (AEs) was reported by 67.3% of patients. Central line-associated bloodstream infection (28.1%) and symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (20.7%) were the most common complications. The majority of PICCs were removed for causes other than AEs, with just 723 reported AEs accounting for 22.0% of all PICC removals. The most reasons for PICCs removal were occlusion (425, 12.9%) and exit-site infections (189, 5.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first retrospective study in our country to explore PICC-related complications. While living with a PICC, more than 67.3% of patients report signs and symptoms of at least one PICC-related problem or adverse impacts, such as difficulties with PICC use and poor effects on physical and social function. In this group, PICCs are safe and effective, although the danger of PICC-related problems should not be disregarded.

Dual-lumen power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A prospective observational study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To explore whether dual-lumen power injectable peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) could be effectively and safely applied in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and for serum cyclosporine level monitoring.

BACKGROUND

Compared to conventional central venous access devices, PICC provides a feasible route not only for fluid infusion, but also for blood sample collection in patients undergoing oncological treatments.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines.

METHODS

We prospectively evaluated the applications and complications of power injectable PICCs in 52 consecutive allo-HSCT recipients. We also compared the cyclosporine levels in 188 paired blood samples, simultaneously obtained via power injectable PICCs and percutaneous venous puncture, to investigate whether power injectable PICC is a feasible route for cyclosporine concentration monitoring in allo-HSCT.

RESULTS

The median PICC placement duration was 29 days. The insertion-site blood oozing and central line-associated bloodstream infection rates were 36.5% (19/52) and 26.9% (14/52), respectively, indicating the feasibility of these PICCs for various applications in allo-HSCT. No power injectable PICC-related thrombotic adverse events were identified; 90.4% (47/52) of cases with power injectable PICC removal occurred because of lack of medical utility, suggesting that power injectable PICC-related complications were manageable. However, cyclosporine levels in samples obtained via these PICCs were significantly higher than those in samples obtained via percutaneous venous puncture (261.5 ± 139.2 vs. 232.4 ± 253.6 ng/ml; p = 0.019 [set 1]; 254.8 ± 89.3 vs. 225.1 ± 233.3 ng/ml; p<0.001 [set 2]; 283.6 ± 103.9 vs. 238.0 ± 254.7 ng/ml; p = 0.006 [set 3]; 291.0 ± 94.9 vs. 266.0 ± 274.7 ng/ml; p = 0.016 [set 4]).

CONCLUSION

The power injectable PICC is a feasible venous access device for allo-HSCT.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The dual-lumen power injectable PICCs provided a reliable access for blood sample collection, decreasing the number of blind percutaneous venous punctures in allo-HSCT. However, its application in cyclosporine level monitoring needs further investigation.

Analysis of risk factors of PICC-related bloodstream infection in newborns: implications for nursing care

Background

It is necessary to analyze the characteristics and risk factors of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in newborns with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

Methods

Newborns undergoing PICC catheterization in the neonatal department of our hospital from January 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021 were included. The characteristics of newborns with and without CRBSI newborns were compared and analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors of CRBSI in newborns with PICC.

Results

Three hundred eighty-six newborns with PICC were included, of whom 41 newborns had the CRBSI, the incidence of CRBSI in newborns with PICC was 10.62%. There were significant differences regarding the birth weight, durations of PICC stay, 5-min Apgar score, site of PICC insertion of PICC between CRBSI and no CRBSI group (all P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences regarding the gender, gestational age, cesarean section, mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay between CRBSI and no CRBSI group (all P > 0.05). Escherichia coli (26.08%) and Staphylococcus aureus (23.92%) were the most common CRBSI pathogens in newborns with PICC. Logistic regression analysis indicated that birth weight ≤ 1500 g (OR 1.923, 95% CI 1.135–2.629), durations of PICC stay ≥ 21 days (OR 2.077, 95% CI 1.024–3.431), 5-min Apgar score ≤ 7 (OR 2.198, 95% CI 1.135–3.414) and femoral vein insertion of PICC (OR 3.044, 95% CI 1.989–4.306) were the independent risk factors of CRBSI in neonates with PICC (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

For newborns with low birth weight, longer durations of PICC stay and femoral vein PICC insertion, they may have higher risks of CRBSI, and medical staff should take targeted measures to reduce the development of CRBSI.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection associated with multiple insertions of the peripherally inserted central catheter in patients with hematological disorders

Patients with hematological disorders are treated with multiple cycles of chemotherapy. As a result, they often require multiple insertions of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for prolonged periods of time. Although PICCs have been widely used worldwide in various patients, the safety and feasibility of the multiple insertions of the PICC in this population have not been fully verified. We performed a retrospective analysis to clarify the relationship between complications and multiple PICC insertions in patients with hematological disorders who were treated with either chemotherapy or immunotherapy. A total of 651 PICCs were inserted in 261 patients with a median age of 66 years. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were the most common diseases in our patient cohort. The total catheter days (CDs) was 29,485 days, with a median catheter duration of 30 days. The rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in our patient cohort at high rate of re-insertion was 2.0/1000 CDs. Although multiple PICC insertions were not a risk factor of CRBSI, our findings suggest that a prolonged catheter dwell time may be associated with CRBSI. AML was an important risk factor of CRBSI. While the PICC dwell time depends on the treatment cycle, our findings indicate that it should be limited to approximately 30 days and catheters may be removed and re-inserted as needed.

Changes in Central Venous Catheter Use in the Hematology Unit with the Introduction of Ultrasound Guidance and a Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter

Objective A central venous catheter (CVC) is often needed to treat hematologic diseases, but it is accompanied by many complications. Ultrasound guidance (USG) or a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) can reduce such complications. Meterials We collected data of patients with attempted CVC placement in our hematology unit in 2012 (before introduction of USG and PICC) and 2018 (after introduction) and compared both periods. Results In total, 187 CVC insertions were attempted in 2018 and 198 in 2012. USG was used 154 times (82%) in 2018 and 4 times (2%) in 2012 (p<0.001). The success rates of insertion were 95% in 2018 and 89% in 2012 (p=0.063). The incidence of acute complications was 4.3% in 2018 and 9.1% in 2012 (p=0.069). The incidence of CVC removal owing to delayed complications was 26% in 2018 and 21% in 2012 (p=0.327). The sites of approach in 2018 and 2012 were the internal jugular in 42 (22%) and 54 (27%), subclavian in 52 (28%) and 128 (65%), brachial (PICC) in 89 (48%) and 14 (7%), and femoral in 4 (2%) and 2 (1%), respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion USG has become commonplace since its introduction. The landmark-based subclavian approach was largely replaced by PICC with USG in 2018. USG and PICC can help improve success rates and safety profiles.

Central venous catheter-related infections in hematology and oncology: 2020 updated guidelines on diagnosis, management, and prevention by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO)

Cancer patients frequently require central venous catheters for therapy and parenteral nutrition and are at high risk of central venous catheter-related infections (CRIs). Moreover, CRIs prolong hospitalization, cause an excess in resource utilization and treatment cost, often delay anti-cancer treatment, and are associated with a significant increase in mortality in cancer patients. We therefore summoned a panel of experts by the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO) and updated our previous guideline on CRIs in cancer patients. After conducting systematic literature searches on PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane databases, video- and meeting-based consensus discussions were held. In the presented guideline, we summarize recommendations on definition, diagnosis, management, and prevention of CRIs in cancer patients including the grading of strength of recommendations and the respective levels of evidence. This guideline supports clinicians and researchers alike in the evidence-based decision-making in the management of CRIs in cancer patients.

Augmenting emergency granulopoiesis with CpG conditioned mesenchymal stromal cells in murine neutropenic sepsis

Patients with immune deficiencies from cancers and associated treatments represent a growing population within the intensive care unit with increased risk of morbidity and mortality from sepsis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are an integral part of the hematopoietic niche and express toll-like receptors, making them candidate cells to sense and translate pathogenic signals into an innate immune response. In this study, we demonstrate that MSCs administered therapeutically in a murine model of radiation-associated neutropenia have dual actions to confer a survival benefit in Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumo-sepsis that is not from improved bacterial clearance. First, MSCs augment the neutrophil response to infection, an effect that is enhanced when MSCs are preconditioned with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide, a toll-like receptor 9 agonist. Using cytometry by time of flight, we identified proliferating neutrophils (Ly6GlowKi-67+) as the main expanded cell population within the bone marrow. Further analysis revealed that CpG-MSCs expand a lineage restricted progenitor population (Lin-Sca1+C-kit+CD150-CD48+) in the bone marrow, which corresponded to a doubling in the myeloid proliferation and differentiation potential in response to infection compared with control. Despite increased neutrophils, no reduction in organ bacterial count was observed between experimental groups. However, the second effect exerted by CpG-MSCs is to attenuate organ damage, particularly in the lungs. Neutrophils obtained from irradiated mice and cocultured with CpG-MSCs had decreased neutrophil extracellular trap formation, which was associated with decreased citrullinated H3 staining in the lungs of mice given CpG-MSCs in vivo. Thus, this preclinical study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of MSCs in neutropenic sepsis.

Insertion site of central venous catheter correlates with catheter-related infectious events in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy

Patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy are usually in need for central venous catheters (CVC). Due to contradictory study results, relation of insertion site and CVC-associated complication rate in these patients is not clear. We therefore retrospectively analyzed CVC-related data of all patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy with high risk of febrile neutropenia according to NCCN criteria, who received a CVC at our bone marrow transplantation unit between May 2016 and December 2019. In total, 210 patients received 281 CVC. CVC were placed via either the subclavian-vein (SCV, n = 58; 20%) or the internal-jugular-vein (IJV, n = 223; 80%). Median duration of CVC-lifetime and neutropenic days per CVC were comparable between the two groups (IJV vs SCV: 23 days vs 21 days (p = 0.16) and 12 days vs 11 days (p = 0.65)). Both, time to CVC removal due to local inflammation and time to central line-associated bloodstream infection was significantly shorter in patients with SCV catheters (p = 0.013 and p = 0.045). CVC placed in the IJV were associated with significantly less catheter-related infectious events compared with CVC placed in the SCV. This difference was consistent across different subgroups including 88 patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.