Complications associated with subsequent tunneled central venous access device placement in children: a retrospective cohort study

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are vital instruments in pediatric healthcare, enabling the administration of critical treatments such as chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. However, despite their advantages, CVADs carry a significant risk of complications, including infections, mechanical failures, and thrombotic events. From the current literature, it is unknown whether previous CVAD placements lead to an increased risk for complications in subsequent CVAD placements. We retrospectively analyzed data regarding tunneled, surgically implanted CVADs in children over a period of 2 years at a single tertiary pediatric center regarding their complications. Between 2021 and 2022, 328 CVAD implantations were performed in 313 children. The average age at implantation was 6.6 +/- 5.5 years, while most of the patients were younger than 5 years old. During the study period, a total of 102 complications occurred in 96 patients. Most frequent complications were infections (18.29% of all implantations), followed by dislocation of the catheter tip (6.4 0%) and mechanical dysfunctions (4.27%). No patient died from a complication. The choice of catheter type (Port versus Broviac) showed a significant influence on the occurrence of complications (hazard ratio of 3.964 (95% CI 1.993-7.886; p < 0.001). The risk of infection and dislodgement was also higher when comparing Broviac with Ports implantations (infection: HR = 3.236; 95% CI 1.239-8.454; p = 0.017; dislodgement: HR = 5.781; 95% CI 1.229-27.193; p = 0.026). Cox regression showed a statistically significant higher risk of complications (especially infections) when the catheter was inserted via venous cutdown instead of percutaneous puncture technique (complications: HR = 6.709; 95% CI 1.776-25.337; p = 0.005; infections: HR = 7.28; 95% CI 1.096-48.379; p = 0.04). Cox regression did not show a statistically significant influence on complications for neither of the following factors: age, gender, weight, and oncological/non-oncological diagnosis. The complication rate for patients with previous CVAD was nearly the same as for patients who received a CVAD for the first time (previous CVAD: 29.17%; no previous CVAD: 30.74%). Conclusion: Our study challenges conventional assumptions regarding the impact of previous CVAD placements on complication rates. Nevertheless, ongoing vigilance and adherence to standardized protocols remain crucial in mitigating risks and improving outcomes in pediatric CVAD management. What is Known:center dot Risk factors predisposing for CVAD-related complications remain insufficiently understood.center dot It is unknown whether previous CVAD placements lead to an increased risk for complications in subsequent CVAD placements.What is New:center dot The complication rate for patients with previous CVAD appears to be the same as for patients who receive a CVAD for the first time.