Catheter-related central venous thrombosis: the development of an Italian nationwide Consensus Paper

Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a serious complication in patients who need long-term venous access. Though scientific data and clinical experience are steadily increasing, many uncertainties still exist about several aspects concerning etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prevention of this complication. The GAVeCeLT (the Italian Study Group for Long-Term Central Venous Access) promoted a nationwide Consensus, and 12 experts systematically reviewed all of the available literature. A preliminary document was presented and discussed during a specific Consensus Meeting before an enlarged panel of more than 80 experts (representing different health professions and disciplines). This led to a pre-final document, which was presented to more than 800 health professionals. After a peer review by an external board of experts, a final document was prepared. In this paper, methodology and results of the Consensus are presented.