Incidence and Risk Factors for Totally Implantable Venous Access Device
Infections in Pediatric Patients with Cancer: A Study of 20,770
Device-Days
Abstract
Background: Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are
frequently used in pediatric patients with cancer owing to their
multiple benefits. Despite occasional infections with TIVADs, knowledge
of the incidence and risk factors is limited. Methods: This
retrospective study included pediatric patients with cancer who received
TIVAD at Chungbuk National University Hospital from 2001 to 2018. We
collected data on demographics, diagnosis, duration of TIVAD use,
pathogens, and other risk factors. Results: During the study period, 47
TIVADs with 20,770 device-days were applied in 42 patients. There were
14 TIVAD infections (14/47, 29.8%), with an infection rate of 0.25
infections per TIVAD per year (0.69 cases/1000 device-days). TIVAD
infections occurred at a median of 5.5 months (range, 8 days–30 months)
after insertion. The most common causative microorganisms were
methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 8, 57.1%)
followed by Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mitis (n = 2, each). A
platelet count below 150,000/μL at the time of TIVAD insertion and
diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were the major risk
factors for TIVAD infection. Device removal was the mainstay of
treatment (11/14, 78.6%). Conclusion: TIVAD insertion was safe and
dependable in children with malignancies. Risk factors for TIVAD
infection included a platelet count below the normal range at the time
of device insertion and a diagnosis of ALL. Further studies are needed
to identify preventive factors against TIVAD infections in children with
cancer.