Thorax 2000;55:535
( June )
Letters to the editor
Ultrasound placement of peripherally inserted central
catheters (PICCs) in adults with cystic fibrosis
| The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below. |
Chronic Pseudomonas
aeruginosa infection occurs in more than 85% of adults with
cystic fibrosis. Recurrent courses of intravenous antibiotics are
required to treat pulmonary exacerbations and the establishment of
reliable intravenous access is necessary. Administration of multiple
courses of antibiotics may require the insertion of long line or
central venous catheters. Totally implanted venous devices are reserved
for patients where alternative access is not feasible.1
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used
for the administration of antibiotics and chemotherapy. Ultrasound has
been reported to assist the successful insertion of PICC
lines.2 We report our experience with the use of
ultrasound to assist the placement of PICC lines where access has been
difficult, using a standard technique via the antecubital fossa.
During the past 23 months a total of 124 PICC lines have been inserted
in patients with cystic fibrosis (clinic population 110). In a subgroup
of patients 22 placements of the PICC . . . [Full text of this article]
