The Use of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients at a Later Stage

Abstract

Background/aims: To describe the use of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at a later stage.

Methods: Twenty-five ALS patients in the later stages of the disease underwent PICC insertion followed by parenteral nutrition (PN). For all of them, gastrostomy was non-feasible. Patients were followed until death and monitored for complications.

Results: PICC insertion was successful in all patients. Three months after insertion, the mean body weight increased by 4.5% (p = 0.0057). PICC could be maintained until death in all but 1 patient. The mean delay between insertion and death was 4.5 months, but PN was administered for more than 1 year in 2 patients. Complications were noted in 6 patients: sepsis (n = 4), venous thrombosis (n = 1), and upper limb oedema (n = 1), none of them resulting in death.

Conclusion: PICC insertion for PN at a later stage of ALS, in patients for whom gastrostomy is non-feasible, appears to be a useful option compared to the central venous catheter.