Abstract
Reliable venous access is often very valuable for the medical management in children with acute leukemia. The present paper dealed with the results on 23 central venous catheters which were placed in 12 acute leukemic children (mean age, 6 years) in the pediatric wards of the Hokkaido University Hospital in April 1981-March 1984. These catheters were utilized for blood drawing and the infusion of drugs, intravenous solutions and blood products. The mean duration of placement has been 26 days (range, 7-66 days). In 12 patients the catheter was used successfully during the period of treatment. Complications at catheter insertion site were minimal. The overall incidence of bacteremia was not increased in patients with the catheter, and 8 of the 12 bacteremia that occured while catheters were in place resolved without catheter removal. Multipurpose use of central venous catheter greatly facilitated patient's care and support, and minimised discomfort. The use of central venous catheter is a safe reliable measure for the improvement of venous access in children with acute leukemia.
