Is central venous access in childhood osteomyelitis associated with increased morbidity?

Abstract

Children with osteomyelitis need treatment with intravenous antibiotics for protracted periods. An implanted central venous line (CVL) is a good method to deliver this treatment. Between 1992 and 1996, 17 patients with osteomyelitis had 20 surgically inserted Hickmann-type CVLs. The outcome of these lines was studied. Patients ranged from 1 month to 14 years of age and the duration of use of the CVL ranged from 6 to 180 days. One CVL was removed because of line sepsis and 1 was removed because of exit-site infection. We conclude that surgically inserted Hickmann-type CVLs in children with a pre-existing focus of infection in the form of osteomyelitis did not result in increased morbidity in terms of line sepsis, and served the purpose of prolonged administration of antibiotics very well.