Abstract
Infections are common complications in venous access ports. The presented analysis aimed to investigate the incidence, microbiological spectrum, and acquired resistances of pathogens in upper arm port associated infections to provide a decision aid in the choice of therapy. In total, 2667 implantations and 608 explantations were performed at a high-volume tertiary medical center between 2015 and 2019. In cases with infectious complications (n = 131, 4.9%), procedural conditions and results of microbiological testing were reviewed retrospectively. Of 131 port associated infections (median dwell time 103 days, interquartile range 41-260), 49 (37.4%) were port pocket infections (PPI) and 82 (62.6%) were catheter infections (CI). Infectious complications occurred more often after implantation in inpatients compared to outpatients (P < 0.01). PPI were mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, 48.3%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS, 31.0%). Other gram-positive and gram-negative species were encountered in 13.8% and 6.9%, respectively. CI were caused less frequently by S. aureus (8.6%) than CoNS (39.7%). Other gram-positive and gram-negative strains were isolated in 8.6% and 31.0%, respectively. Candida species were seen in 12.1% of CI. An acquired antibiotic resistance was detected in 36.0% of all significant isolates, occurring especially in CoNS (68.3%) and gram-negative species (24.0%). Staphylococci comprised the largest group of pathogens in upper arm port associated infections. However, gram-negative strains and Candida species should also be considered as a cause of infection in CI. Due to the frequent detection of potential biofilm-forming pathogens, port explantation is an important therapeutic measure, especially in severely ill patients. Acquired resistances must be anticipated when choosing an empiric antibiotic treatment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.