SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Routine Catheter Lock Solutions in Pediatric Cancer Care: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Normal vs Heparinized Saline

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This pilot randomized controlled trial tested whether normal saline or heparinized saline is safer and more feasible for locking central venous access devices (CVADs) in children with cancer. CVADs are essential for cancer treatment but commonly cause complications such as infection, thrombosis, and occlusion.<br /><br />The study was a single-center trial in Australia involving children aged 18 years or younger with oncological or malignant hematological conditions. A total of 217 children were screened, and 61 were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to receive either normal saline or heparinized saline CVAD lock solutions. The researchers assessed feasibility outcomes such as eligibility, recruitment, retention, protocol adherence, and satisfaction, as well as clinical outcomes including complete and partial occlusion.<br /><br />The trial found that feasibility targets for eligibility and recruitment were not met, but other aspects were promising: protocol adherence was high, there was no attrition, and both parents/caregivers and clinicians reported high satisfaction. Safety appeared acceptable in both groups, with no meaningful differences in adverse events.<br /><br />Regarding catheter outcomes, complete occlusion occurred only in the heparin group. Partial occlusion was seen in both groups, with similar incidence rates. Thrombolytic agents were used more often in the heparin group than in the normal saline group.<br /><br />Overall, the study suggests that both lock solutions appear safe, but neither clearly prevented all CVAD-related harm. The main conclusion is that a larger trial is possible and worthwhile, but future studies should include longer follow-up, broaden eligibility, and consider regional and home-care settings to better reflect real-world pediatric cancer care.

Asset Subtitle

Amanda Ullman

Meta Tag

Author List Amanda Ullman, Andrew Paton, John Roy, Mari Takashima, Natalie Bradford, Rachel Edwards, Rick Walker, Tricia M. Kleidon, Victoria Gibson

Category Research

Concept Normal Saline

Concept Heparinized Saline

Concept Catheter Lock Solution

Concept Catheter Occlusion

Concept Central Venous Catheterization

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization The University of Queensland and Childrens Health Queensland

Presenting Author Amanda Ullman

Track Pediatric

Keywords

central venous access devices

pediatric cancer

normal saline

heparinized saline

randomized controlled trial

catheter occlusion

feasibility study

safety

thrombolytic agents

oncology

Normal Saline

Heparinized Saline

Catheter Lock Solution

Catheter Occlusion

Central Venous Catheterization