Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) for restoration of function to occluded central venous catheters in pediatric patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of alteplase for restoring function to occluded central venous catheters in a pediatric population.

Patients And Methods: A phase III, open-label, single-arm, multicenter trial was performed in 995 adult and pediatric patients with dysfunctional nondialysis catheters and ports. This report is a subset analysis of subjects between 2 and 18 years of age (N = 122) who were enrolled in the study.

Central venous catheters in home infusion care: outcomes analysis in 50,470 patients.

Purpose: Outpatient home infusion therapy is increasing; however, little data exist on the outcomes of patients receiving care. The purpose of this study was to document the natural history of central venous catheters (CVCs) used in home infusion care to determine the rate and type of catheter complications.

Materials And Methods: Data from the Strategic HealthCare Programs National Database from April 1999 to September 2000 were analyzed.