A Prospective Observational Study Of The Incidence and Risk Factors Of Catheter Associated Deep Vein Thrombosis in ICU Patients

Central venous catheters are inserted in critically ill patients for various purposes. But they are also associated with complications such as catheter associated deep vein thrombosis which if kept undiagnosed or untreated, can lead to pulmonary embolism and increased mortality. The following study hypothesise that there is significant incidence of central line associated deep vein thrombosis in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. Routine screening for the same can help in early diagnosis of thrombosis and prevent deterioration.

The primary objectives of this study are to determine the incidence of catheter associated deep vein thrombosis and to identify the risk factors associated with development of thrombosis. Total of 120 patients with Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) or Femoral venous line placement will be included in the study for evaluation. Catheters removed within 72 hours, patient discharge / demise in 72 hours will be excluded.  Assessment for thrombosis will be done using doppler ultrasound on IJV or femoral vein based on the site of catheter inserted. Ultrasound assessment will be carried out on day 3,5,7,10 and 15 of catheter insertion and the observations will be tabulated irrespective of catheter in situ or removed. If patient develops any symptoms, ultrasound assessment will be done irrespective of the timeframe. Statistical analysis of the data will be performed to determine the incidence, incidence rate, risk factors related to patients and catheter. This study anticipates early detection of asymptomatic thrombosis by routine ultrasound screening. Diagnosis of thrombosis might help in treatment for the same and improved patient care.