The incidence of asymptomatic thrombosis related to peripherally inserted central catheter in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis People’s

Aim To examine the incidence and risk factors for asymptomatic peripherally inserted central catheter‐related thrombosis (PICC‐RT). Design We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis following the PRISMA guidelines. Methods The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020186732). A systematic search of EMBASE, CINAHL, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane was performed from inception to 4 June 2020. Meta‐analysis was performed to determine the pooled incidence of asymptomatic PICC‐RT. Results Ten studies comprising 1591 participants with 1592 PICCs were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled incidence of asymptomatic PICC‐RT in adults was 22% (95% CI, 0.17–0.29). The pooled incidence of PICC‐RT in cancer patients was 19% (95% CI, 0.13–0.26). Asymptomatic PICC‐RT mainly occurred in superficial veins. Most asymptomatic thrombosis occurred 3–12 days after the PICC insertion. A higher Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score (ECOG), slower blood flow velocity and left basilic vein were independent risk factors of asymptomatic thrombosis.