Decreasing Skin Breakdown Around Central Lines in Patients Receiving Thiotepa Prior to Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Skin breakdown occurring around central line dressings increases the risk for infection and bacteremia in all patients. The risk is magnified when experienced in pediatric patients receiving marrow-ablative therapy. A staff nurse on an inpatient pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant unit noted an increased incidence of skin breakdown around central line dressings in patients receiving Thiotepa prior to bone marrow transplantation.