porttainfektio

Porttainfektio is the Finnish term for infection related to an implanted central venous port, a device placed under the skin to provide repeated venous access for long-term therapies such as chemotherapy or parenteral nutrition. Infections can be localized to the port pocket or catheter tract or can manifest as a central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection. The condition is a serious complication that can lead to hospitalization and treatment delays.

Symptoms commonly include local signs at the port site—redness, warmth, swelling, tenderness, or drainage—along with fever or malaise. In more severe cases, sepsis may develop. Pathogens are usually skin flora; Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are frequent culprits, with possible Gram-negative bacteria or Candida in certain patients.

Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation and microbiological testing. Blood cultures may be drawn from both the port and peripheral veins, and cultures of any drainage can be informative. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT can help assess the port pocket or catheter tract. The infection is suspected when local signs accompany positive cultures or bloodstream infection.

Management typically involves antibiotics appropriate to culture results. Whether to remove the port depends on severity, response to therapy, and whether there is tunnel infection or persistent bacteremia; devices with persistent infection usually require removal. In select cases, antibiotic-lock therapy may be considered to salvage a functioning port.

Prevention focuses on strict aseptic technique during port insertion, meticulous port-site care, regular dressing changes, and good hand hygiene. Early recognition and appropriate treatment improve outcomes, while port infections can prolong hospitalization and disrupt defined treatment plans.