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.