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Original ArticleOpen Access
Subcutaneous Portacath Utilization in Pediatric Oncology Patients: Ramathibodi Hospital Experience
Panthangkool W 
,
Singhapakdi S ,
Teeraratkul S ,
Molagool S ,
Pakakasama S ,
Hathirat P
,
Singhapakdi S ,
Teeraratkul S ,
Molagool S ,
Pakakasama S ,
Hathirat P Subcutaneous portacaths (SQP) placement in 19 pediatric oncology patients were studied.
Complications of SQP were evaluated. Two patients had premature SQP removal due to fungal
infection and breakage, 1 for each. Two patients had catheter-related bacteremia which was
resolved by antibiotic administration. Only 1 patient had occasional difficult blood drawing
episodes, because the tip of catheter was inserted through external jugular vein instead of subclavian
vein. There were no other serious complications except that some of them had clotted
formations, which were resolved easily by urokinase administration. Long-term SQP utilization
was possible in 17 of 19 patients, with the average time of 7.5 months. Few complications
occurred in the group of patients studied. SQP improved quality of medical care and significantly
lessened the anxiety of patients who need long-term chemotherapy treatment. Therefore,
placement of the intravenous access device is feasible for pediatric oncology patients in Thailand.
The patients are no longer suffering from repeated venipunctures. Although it is expensive, it is
convenient and useful for some patients with relatively high socioeconomic status. It should be
considered for every pediatric cancer patient who needs prolonged chemotherapy and who has
affordable means.
Key word : Subcutaneous Portacath, Pediatric Oncology
Complications of SQP were evaluated. Two patients had premature SQP removal due to fungal
infection and breakage, 1 for each. Two patients had catheter-related bacteremia which was
resolved by antibiotic administration. Only 1 patient had occasional difficult blood drawing
episodes, because the tip of catheter was inserted through external jugular vein instead of subclavian
vein. There were no other serious complications except that some of them had clotted
formations, which were resolved easily by urokinase administration. Long-term SQP utilization
was possible in 17 of 19 patients, with the average time of 7.5 months. Few complications
occurred in the group of patients studied. SQP improved quality of medical care and significantly
lessened the anxiety of patients who need long-term chemotherapy treatment. Therefore,
placement of the intravenous access device is feasible for pediatric oncology patients in Thailand.
The patients are no longer suffering from repeated venipunctures. Although it is expensive, it is
convenient and useful for some patients with relatively high socioeconomic status. It should be
considered for every pediatric cancer patient who needs prolonged chemotherapy and who has
affordable means.
Key word : Subcutaneous Portacath, Pediatric Oncology
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