Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter for Use in Home Parenteral Nutrition A 4-Year Follow-up Study

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are a relatively new device for home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Usually, tunneled central catheters such as the Hickman catheter are used for this purpose. However, severe complications (eg, pneumothorax) have been reported in association with the insertion of the central catheter. In contrast, PICCs may offer some advantages due to the peripheral insertion. There are only few studies on the use of PICCs for HPN. Method: A retrospective study (2008–2012) was performed in our Center for Nutrition and Bowel Disease. Patients receiving parenteral nutrition through PICCs were identified, their files examined, and indication, dwell time, cause of removal, and complications recorded. Results: Fifty-six patients (aged 28–81 years) had a total of 94 lines. Total catheter days were 9859. Mean catheter days per patient were 179.1, and mean dwell time of each line was 104.9 days (longest, 572 days). There were no major complications in relation to the inse...