Abstract / Summary
Background: Efficient peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection in children requires reliable vascular access capable of sustaining inlet flow. Peripheral access may be inadequate, necessitating central venous catheters (CVCs). Aims and Objectives: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of double-lumen femoral CVCs for PBSC collection in children. Materials and Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of 62 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent PBSC collection using non-cuffed, double-lumen polyurethane femoral CVCs. A total of 98 apheresis sessions were performed using the Spectra Optia system. Results: The median age was 5.5 year (range 1–16) and median weight was 16 kg (range 9–86). The target cluster of differentiation 34-positive (CD34+) cell dose was achieved in 33/62 (53.2%) patients after a single session and in 56/62 (90.3%) within one or two sessions. Across 98 sessions, mean total blood volume processed was 173 mL/kg, with median inlet flow rate of 22.4 mL/min and weight- adjusted inlet flow rate of 0.95 mL/kg/min. CD34+ yield data were available for 96 sessions, with mean yield of 9.3×106 cells/kg. Flow-related adverse events occurred in 4/62 (6.5%) patients and were transient and manageable. No catheter-related infections, thrombosis or bleeding complications were observed. Conclusion: Overall, double-lumen femoral venous catheterization appears to be a feasible and practical single-site vascular-access strategy, including young and low-weight patients. Flow related complications were infrequent and manageable. This approach represents a practical option for pediatric PBSC collection.