Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials which compared the use of totally implantable venous access devices in people with cystic fibrosis to other means of vascular access, trials which compared the different types of these devices against each other and trials which assessed strategies to reduce complications of these devices.
Participants
Participants with CF of any age and severity, diagnosed clinically by sweat testing or genetic analysis.
Interventions
Totally implantable vascular access devices
Outcome measures
Primary outcomes 1. Duration of survival of TIVAD 2. Assessment of complications associated with TIVAD (such as thrombosis, embolism, infection, pneumothorax, air embolism and mechanical problems)
Main results
No trials were included in this review.
Authors' conclusions
Totally implantable vascular access devices are widely used in people with cystic fibrosis to provide intermittent venous access for therapeutic infusions. Reports of their use in people with cystic fibrosis suggest that they are safe and effective. These reports also suggest that certain interventions might reduce the risk of complications; however, it is disappointing that these reports have not been assessed by randomised controlled trials. This systematic review identifies the need for a multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing both efficacy and possible adverse effects of totally implantable venous access devices in cystic fibrosis.