Normal saline versus heparin flushes in paediatric oncology: a pilot randomised controlled trial

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of normal saline, compared to heparinised saline, for the prevention of occlusions (blockages) in central venous access devices (CVADs) in a paediatric oncology population. Who is it for? You or your child may be eligible to join this study if you/they are aged 0-18 years, have been diagnosed with an oncological or malignant haematological condition, and have a central venous access device (CVAD) in situ. CVADs are flexible tubes inserted in the chest, neck or upper arm veins, which enable the administration of anti-cancer drugs, collection of blood tests, and delivery of supportive therapies. Study details Participants in this study will be randomly allocated (by chance) into one of two groups. Participants in one group will have their CVAD locked with 0.9% Sodium Chloride, whilst participants in the other group will have theirs locked with heparinised saline. Duration of study enrollment will be capped at six weeks. All participants will be monitored throughout their enrolment in the study to determine any CVAD blockages (known as occlusions), or other adverse events such as venous thrombosis and infection. We hope to determine whether a larger efficacy trial of these CVAD locking techniques is feasible and safe.