PATIENTS WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIA - OUTCOME OF RADIOLOGIC PLACEMENT OF CENTRAL VENOUS ACCESS DEVICES

PURPOSE: To determine prospectively the outcome of radiologic placemen t of central venous access devices in patients with thrombocytopenia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 105 patients, 87 catheters, 10 arm port syst ems, and eight chest port systems were placed radiologically. Devices and patients were separated into group A (n = 37; platelet count < 50, 000 x 10(6)/L [50 x 10(9)/L]), group B (n = 35; platelet count, 50-100 ,000 x 10(6)/L [0.05-100 x 10(9)/L]), and group C (n = 33; platelet co unt, > 100,000 x 10(6)/L [100 x 10(9)/L]). Patients in group A receive d platelet transfusions during implantation. Patients were followed up for up to 8 weeks (mean, 41.2 days). Success and complication rates ( immediate and delayed) were determined for each group. RESULTS: There were no bleeding complications that necessitated intervention in patie nts with thrombocytopenia (groups A and B). There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates per ''catheter days'' am ong the three groups (4.2 per 1,000 catheter days in group A, 4.6 per 1,000 catheter days in group B, and 5.2 per 1,000 catheter days in gro up C). Postprocedure platelet counts increased only slightly (mean, 11 ,500 x 10(6)/L [11.5 x 10(9)/L]) in patients in group A. CONCLUSION: R adiologic placement of central venous access devices can be performed safely in patients with thrombocytopenia.