Catheter-Related Thrombosis in Adults with Cancer: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Background: Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a complication of central venous access devices (CVADs). Evidence is variable regarding the significance of the side of catheter insertion. The role of the patient's hand dominance in predisposition to CRT remains uncertain.

Objectives: In a prospective randomised controlled trial, adult cancer patients were randomly allocated to either dominant or non-dominant side CVAD insertion. The primary endpoint of this trial examined the incidence of catheter-associated blood stream infection. Here, we report the secondary endpoint of the incidence of CRT.

Methods: 640 CVADs were randomised to the dominant (n=322) or non-dominant (n=318) side of insertion. Only symptomatic patients underwent ultrasound imaging to evaluate for CRT.

Results: The median patient age was 58, 60% of patients had haematological malignancies and 40% had solid tumours. CVADs used were peripherally-inserted central catheter line (PICC)(67%), tunnelled CVAD (23%) or non-tunnelled CVAD (10%). The CRT incidence rate was 0.65 vs 0.82 per 1000 line days in the dominant vs non-dominant group (HR 1.2; 95% CI 0.58-2.48, P=0.63). There was no significant difference in CRT incidence rate between left and right sided insertions (HR 0.63; 95% CI 0.30-1.32, P=0.22). The CRT incidence rate was lower in right-handed versus left-handed line inserters (HR 0.29; 95% CI 0.12-0.71, P=0.007).

Conclusions: The rate of CRT was not associated with whether CVAD insertion was on the patient's dominant or non-dominant side or the side of insertion. The role of inserter hand dominance requires further investigation.