Risk factors for catheter related thrombosis during outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

Background: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) delivery using peripherally inserted central catheters is associated with a risk of catheter related thrombosis (CRT). Individualised preventative interventions may reduce this occurrence, however patient selection is hampered by a lack of understanding of risk factors. We aimed to identify patient, infection or treatment related risk factors for CRT in the OPAT setting. Methods: Retrospective case control study (1:3 matching) within OPAT services at two tertiary hospitals within Australia. Results: Over a 2 year period, encompassing OPAT delivery to 1803 patients, there were 19 cases of CRT, giving a prevalence of 1.1% and incidence of 0.58/1000 catheter days. Amongst the cases of CRT, there were nine (47%) unplanned readmissions and two (11%) pulmonary emboli. Compared to controls, cases had a higher frequency of malposition of the catheter tip (4/19 (21%) vs 0/57 (0%), p = 0.003) and complicated catheter insertion (3/19 (16%) vs 1/57 (2%), p = 0.046). Conclusions: Although CRTs during OPAT are infrequent, they often have clinically significant sequelae. Identification of modifiable vascular access related predictors of CRT should assist with patient risk stratification and guide risk reduction strategies.