Safety of subcutaneous plastic cannulas in patients with severe thrombocytopenia: Findings from a retrospective analysis.

Background: Continuous subcutaneous infusion is a common and well-established method for administering medications in palliative care. However, limited evidence exists regarding the safety of subcutaneous plastic cannulas in patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count ⩽20 G/L), a population at higher risk of bleeding complications. Understanding the safety profile in this context is essential for guiding clinical practice.

Aim: To determine the complication rates associated with the use of subcutaneous polyurethane cannulas for continuous subcutaneous infusion in patients with severe thrombocytopenia in a German palliative care unit.

Design: A retrospective observational study was conducted, analyzing all patients treated in a palliative care unit over 4 years. Data on the use of polyurethane cannulas, number of subcutaneous punctures, days of cannulas in situ, and associated complications were collected and reviewed.

Setting/participants: The study was conducted in a single German palliative care unit. Of 1475 patients treated during the study period, 61 patients (4.1%) had severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count ⩽20 G/L). Of these, 17 patients received 37 subcutaneous punctures, accounting for a total of 150 days with polyurethane cannulas in situ.

Results: No complications related to the use of polyurethane cannulas in patients with severe thrombocytopenia were observed in the studied population (n = 0, 0%).

Conclusions: The findings suggest that the use of polyurethane cannulas is safe even in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Further research could explore larger sample sizes and different settings to validate these findings.