Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters

Article Type: Reviews of effectiveness From: Clinical Governance: An International Journal, Volume 18, Issue 4

Chopra, V., Anand, S., Hickner, A., Buist, M., Rogers, M.A., Saint, S. and Flanders, S.A. Risk of venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters: a systematic review and meta-analysis 2013 epub

Lancet

The review concluded that compared with central venous catheters, peripherally inserted catheters were associated with a raised risk of deep vein thrombosis, especially in critically ill patients or those with a malignancy. The conclusions of the review reflect the evidence presented and are likely to be reliable despite quality issues associated with the design of the included studies.