Successful use of indwelling tunneled catheters for the management of effusions in children with advanced cancer.

BACKGROUND: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and ascites (MA) negatively impact quality of life of palliative patients. Treatment options are limited. This study's purpose is to examine the experience with indwelling tunneled catheters (ITCs) for management of MPE/MA in children with advanced cancer.

METHODS: Children with MPE/MA who underwent ITC insertion (2007-2012) were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical, procedural, complication and outcome details were analyzed.

RESULTS: PleurX® ITCs (n = 12) were inserted in eight patients (5-18 years) with sarcoma (11 MPE, 1 MA), achieving symptom relief and facilitating discharge home post ITC (median 2 days). Median survival following ITC was 51 days. There were two major complications: pain (n = 1), late site infection (n = 1), and five minor complications. Drainage ceased in four patients (pleurodesis/tumor progression). At time of death, six ITCs (five patients) were still in situ.

CONCLUSIONS: ITC appears to be a safe, effective treatment for MPE/MA in advanced pediatric cancer, achieving symptomatic relief and discharge home.