RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Study of the Impact of Frequency of Changing PICCline Dressings in Patients With Acute Leukemia

This study is about a special type of tube called a PICC line, which is often used to give chemotherapy to people with leukaemia. While these tubes are very helpful, they can sometimes lead to serious infections. Currently, guidelines suggest changing the dressing on these tubes every 8 days, but this advice isn't based on very strong evidence. Researchers want to find out if changing these dressings more frequently — perhaps every 2 or 3 days, similar to what some hospitals already do — could help reduce the number of infections linked to PICC lines. The main goal is to improve safety for patients undergoing cancer treatment by hopefully lowering their risk of life-threatening infections.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nīmes

Enrolment target

Start

06 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Leukemia

What is this study about?

When someone has leukaemia and needs chemotherapy, doctors often use a special tube called a PICC line. This tube is inserted into a vein, usually in the arm, and goes up to a larger vein near the heart. It's a very helpful way to give medicines regularly without needing a new needle stick each time. However, a known problem with PICC lines is that they can sometimes lead to infections, which can be very serious and, in rare cases, even life-threatening.

The current guidance for how often to change the dressing on these PICC lines suggests every 8 days. But, interestingly, this recommendation isn't based on a lot of strong research. In fact, some hospitals in France already change these dressings more often, perhaps every 2 to 3 days, because they've noticed fewer infections that way. This study wants to explore this difference further.

The main idea behind this study is to see if changing the PICC line dressing more frequently can actually reduce the risk of infection. By conducting this research, doctors hope to find the best way to care for these important tubes. The ultimate goal is to make chemotherapy treatment safer for people with leukaemia by lowering their chances of getting an infection, which can be a major worry during treatment.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if changing PICC line dressings more often can prevent infections.
PICC lines are tubes used for chemotherapy but can sometimes cause serious infections.
Current dressing change guidelines might not be based on the strongest evidence.
You would be an adult with acute leukaemia, starting intensive chemotherapy, and have a PICC line.
The study aims to make cancer treatment safer by reducing infection risks.
Your leukaemia treatment itself will not change if you participate.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have been diagnosed with acute leukaemia. You would need to be starting strong chemotherapy treatment that is expected to significantly reduce your white blood cell count for more than a week, as this situation puts you at a higher risk of infection.

To join, you must have had a PICC line inserted within the last 24 hours, or be about to have one put in as part of your hospital stay. The placement of this tube must follow strict hygiene standards. You'll also be staying in a protected hospital environment, like a special room designed to reduce infection risks.

You would not be able to join if your PICC line was put in during an earlier hospital stay, or if you're already taking part in another study that would conflict with this one. People who are unable to fully understand the study information or give their permission to take part are also not eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 or older)?
Do you have acute leukaemia?
Are you about to start strong chemotherapy that lowers your white blood cells?
Do you have a PICC line or are you getting one soon for this hospital stay?
Are you staying in a special protected room during treatment?
Have you understood the study information and can you give your permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, the main difference compared to standard care will be how often your PICC line dressing is changed. Instead of the usual schedule, your dressing might be changed more frequently. This would involve a nurse or healthcare professional carefully cleaning the area and applying a fresh dressing. Beyond this, your treatment for leukaemia and your hospital stays would continue as planned. The study will mainly involve observing the chosen schedule and monitoring you for any signs of infection. The total duration of your participation would depend on your course of chemotherapy and the length of time your PICC line is needed.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the benefit of potentially reducing your risk of infection, as we explore if more frequent dressing changes are helpful. However, like any medical procedure, there's always a very small risk associated with handling your PICC line, although healthcare professionals take great care to keep things clean. There are no guarantees of benefit, and it's possible the study might not find any difference in infection rates. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Montpellier Hôpital St-Eloi
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a PICC line?

A PICC line is a thin, flexible tube inserted into a vein, usually in your arm, to deliver medicines like chemotherapy straight into your bloodstream. It saves you from having many needle pokes.

Why is this study being done?

The study aims to find out if changing the dressing on your PICC line more often can help reduce the risk of infections, which can be a serious problem for patients like you.

Will my treatment for leukaemia change?

No, your main chemotherapy treatment will stay the same. This study only focuses on how often your PICC line dressing is changed.

Is it safe to change the dressing more often?

Changing the dressing is a standard procedure. This study is testing if doing it more frequently is overall safer by reducing infections. Healthcare staff always follow strict hygiene rules.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, joining is completely your choice, and you can decide to stop participating at any point, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Éric JOURDAN, Dr.

eric.jourdan@chu-nimes.fr +334.66.68.32.34 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.