Predictors of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Occlusion in the Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy Setting

In this retrospective study of 285 patients receiving outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT), the duration of antibiotic, use of double-lumen catheters, and receipt of penicillin G and cloxacillin appeared to increase the risk of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) occlusion. Physicians should consider these factors when prescribing long-term antibiotic therapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate methods to reduce PICC occlusion, particularly when double-lumen PICCs are necessary and when cloxacillin or penicillin G are the preferred treatment.