Study on complications of breast cancer patientswith chemotherapy by peripherally inserted central catheter indwelling and predictive nursing

  Objective  To study the complications and predictive nursing measures for breast cancer patients with chemotherapy by peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC) indwelling.

  Methods  A total of 140 breast cancer patients were selected as study objects and received chemotherapy by PICC. The patients were followed up once a week for 6 months. At the same time, the common complications related to PICC and predictive nursing measures were studied.

  Results  The complications of PICC included phlebitis, contact dermatitis, catheter infection, blockage and shedding, with a total incidence of 17.14%. The incidence of complications in hospitalized patients was significantly lower than that those with intermittent chemotherapy(P < 0.05). The incidence of complications in the first and sixth chemotherapy cycle was relatively lower, while was relatively higher in the fourth chemotherapy cycle.

  Conclusion  The complications of PICC in breast cancer patients include bleeding and exudation at the puncture point, infection and displacement (or prolapse) of the catheter, and predictive nursing measures can reduce complication rate.