CN7 - Clinical characteristics of cancer patients with central venous catheter-related infections: Insights from a single centre study

Background

Central venous catheters (CVC) are frequently used in cancer patients. Device-related infections remain a common complication associated with morbidity and mortality. Understanding patient-related risk factors is crucial, yet consensus is lacking. Our study aimed to describe clinical characteristics of patients with solid tumors, experiencing CVC-related infections.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on patients with confirmed CVC-related infection hospitalized in the oncology department of Santa Maria Hospital of Terni between January 2020 and December 2023. Patient characteristics were analyzed using median and IQR for quantitative variables and absolute frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables. Associations were assessed using Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software version 8.0.2.

Results

We identified 52 cancer-patients (60% women and 40% men) with median age of 62 years (19-82). The main primary tumors were breast (9/52), lung (7/52), and ovary (6/52). 90% of patients had metastatic disease, 61.5% received active chemotherapy, while only one exhibited neutropenia (neutrophils <1000/mm3). Moreover, 69% of patients had lymphopenia (lymphocytes <1000/mm3) and 25% had concomitant abdominal or chest drains/implants. Gram-positive bacteria were predominantly isolated from blood cultures (74%), while gram-negative bacteria and fungi accounted for 25% and 4%, respectively.

Conclusions

These results highlight clinical features of cancer patients experiencing CVC-related infections. Despite the majority undergoing chemotherapy, the low prevalence of neutropenia implies additional infection risk factors. The high rate of metastatic disease and lymphopenia accentuates this population's susceptibility to complications, including CVC-related infections. The concurrent presence of abdominal or chest drains in a quarter of patients implies potential infection sources, emphasizing the complex nature of CVC management in cancer patients.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.