ISSN:
1432-1238
Keywords:
Bacteremia
;
Critically ill patients
;
Epidemiology
;
Prognosis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Objective To analyze the epidemiology and factors influencing mortality of ICU-acquired bacteremia. Design Prospective clinical study. Setting A medical-surgical ICU in an university hospital. Patients We recorded variables from 111 consecutive ICU-acquired episodes for a 3-year period. Results The attack rate was 1.9 episodes per 100 patientdays. The commonest isolates were coagulase-negative staphylococci,Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Intravascular catheters were the most frequent source of infection. Overall mortality was 31.5%, and 65.7% of all deaths were directly attributable to infection. Bacteremia from intra-abdominal, lower respiratory tract or unknown origin were associated with a poor prognosis. A logistic regression analysis defined intraabdominal origin (p=0.01, OR=15.7) and presence of shock (p=0.04, OR=3.3) as independently influencing the risk of death. No significant differences were found for the remaining variables studied.Conclusions: Epidemiology and etiology of ICU-acquired bacteremia does not differ seriously in respect to nosocomial bacteremia among unselected populations, although it is associated with a greater incidence and overall mortality. Presence of shock is the most important modificable variable affecting the outcome.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01707661
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