[Evaluation of thromboembolic complications in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia with Vascuport catheters].

The aim of the work was to evaluate the safety of Vascuport catheter long-term application in children treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). 21 children treated in the Department of Pediatric and Hematology in Zabrze were enrolled in the study. Echocardiography and ultrasonography were performed to examine Vascuport catheter in the central vein. Coagulation parameters were estimated too. None of the children presented symptoms of pulmonary embolism or venous thrombosis. Thrombotic material was found on the course of Vascuport catheter in 5 (23%) children. Changes in the hemostatic system: increased d-dimmer levels in 2 (9%), increased fibrinogen level in 7 (33%), decreased value of APC-R in 7 (33%) and protein C in 8 (38%) children were observed. Changes of hemostatic system and presence of thrombotic material on the course of Vascuport catheter in 23% of the patients with ALL imply the necessity of rigorous monitoring of haemostatic system as well as Vascuport catheter in the central vein. In case the risk factors of thrombotic events or their clinical symptoms are present anticoagulant therapy should be introduced.