Correlation study on PICC complications and BMI of cancer patients

Objective To explore the relationship between peripherally inserted central catherer (PICC) complications and body mass index (BMI) in cancer patients, and provide references the preventive measures of PICC complications. Methods Totally 180 cancer patients with PICC complications were analyzed by retrospective analysis. Complications includes thromboembolism, infection, plugging, catheter extrusion, skin injury related to medical patches, exudation and phlebitis, etc. Patients′ BMI were calculated, and the correlation between patients with different BMI classification and the incidence rate of complications was analyzed. Results The result have indicated that there was a correlation between BMI and thromboembolism, plugging and phlebitis (r=0.203, 0.204, 0.198; P<0.05). Conclusions Nurses should pay attention to the correlation between BMI and thromboembolism, plugging and phlebitis in cancer patients with PICC. They also should take intervention measures and carry out individualized health education among patients. Key words: Cancer patients; Complications; Body mass index; Peripherally inserted central catherer