Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have been associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and are a major cause of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  However, mechanisms to identify patients at greatest risk of PICC-associated VTE are limited. Methods:  Using data from the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety consortium, patients with PICCs that experienced symptomatic, image-confirmed [...]

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have been associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and are a major cause of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).  However, mechanisms to identify patients at greatest risk of PICC-associated VTE are limited. Methods:  Using data from the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety consortium, patients with PICCs that experienced symptomatic, image-confirmed [...]

Background: Evidence suggests that risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) between patients with traditional central venous catheters (CVC) vs. peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) is similar. However, how best to predict CLABSI in patients with PICCs is not known.  Methods: We used data from the Michigan Hospital Medicine Safety (HMS) Consortium, a 51-hospital Blue [...]

Background: While use of technologies such as ultrasound and electrocardiographic (EKG) guidance systems to place peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has grown, little is known about the setting, experience or practice of providers that use these tools. Methods: Using data from the PICC1 survey of vascular access specialists, we identified technology-users from non-users. We defined [...]

Background: Peripherally inserted center catheter (PICC) use is associated with many complications including thromboembolism. The role of pharmacological prophylaxis in prevention of PICC line related thromboembolism is controversial. In our study,we assessed the role of pharmacological prophylaxis in the prevention of PICC line related thromboembolic complication. Methods: We reviewed the electronic medical records in our center [...]

Background: Peripherally inserted peripheral catheter (PICC) use is associated with many complications including line related thromboembolism. Several studies and meta- analyses confirmed the increased risk to develop venous thromboembolism in non-O blood group patients. We wanted to assess the association between PICC line related thromboembolism and the ABO blood group. Methods: Our study sample consisted [...]