[Clinical experience with bacterial contamination of Port-A-Cath systems in tumor patients]

In 33 cancer patients with subcutaneously implanted Port-A-Cath systems (Pharmacia) who developed bacteremia with rigor and high fever, aerobic and anaerobic cultures were prepared from aspirated chamber blood. Organisms were isolated from 19 patients of whom 10 had fever, but none life-threatening. In seven patients the fever was caused by infected chamber blood, while in three it was impossible to prove whether it was due to chamber contamination or the underlying disease. Almost all of the causative organisms were skin saprophytes, most frequently Staph. epidermidis, Acinetobacter Iwoffi and apathogenic Corynebacteria. The pathway of infection was probably exogenous (iatrogenic) inoculation. Removal of the catheter system was not necessary. Since strict hygienic measures were instituted when using the system no further chamber contamination has occurred.