The Cost of CVAD Complications in Paediatric Cancer Care
Posted
on 20 October 2026
 "The Cost of CVAD Complications in Paediatric Cancer Care")
| Study Overview Central venous access devices are essential for delivering cancer treatment and supportive care to children, but complications can create a substantial clinical and financial burden. This Australian prospective study examined the direct healthcare costs associated with CVAD occlusion, venous thromboembolism and confirmed or suspected central line-associated bloodstream infection. The analysis included 310 paediatric oncology patients across six hospitals. Key Findings Among the 310 patients, 101 experienced a total of 275 CVAD-associated complication events. The estimated average direct cost of each event was:
Confirmed CLABSI carried the highest cost, largely because of hospital admission, longer stays and the need for ongoing monitoring and treatment. Implications CVAD complications affect more than the device itself. They can interrupt treatment, extend hospital stays and add physical and emotional strain for children and their families. The findings strengthen the case for investing in evidence-based prevention, including effective catheter maintenance, infection-prevention practices and early identification of complications. Preventing even a small number of serious events may reduce costs while improving the patient and family experience. Read more:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-026-10942-1 Authors: Elouise R. Comber; Ruth Royle; Amanda J. Ullman; Victoria Gibson; Mari Takashima; Samantha Keogh; David D. Eisenstat; Michelle Martin; Andrew S. Moore; Joshua Byrnes |
