Evaluation of Clinical Approach and Outcomes Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Abstract

Objective: Despite appropriate treatment and early diagnosis methods, Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is still associated with a high mortality rate. This study aims to evaluate the clinical features and approaches to SAB and to analyze the parameters that may affect 7-day and 30-day mortality. Materials and Methods: Adult patients with SAB data between 2011 and 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Clinical data, patient demographics, and 7-day and 30-day mortality rates were obtained from their medical records. Results: In total, 144 patients were included in the study; 57.6% (83/144) of patients were men, and the mean age was 65.2±16.5 years. The most common source of infection was the central-line catheter (38.9%), followed by intra-abdominal (21%), respiratory (16.7), infective endocarditis (5.6%), and osteoarticular foci (2.1%). Fifteen percent (15%) of the strains were methicillin resistant. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed for 80.6% (116/144) patients. Infectious diseases specialist consultation within 96 hours from blood culture signal was requested in 79.9%. Overall, 7-day mortality was 11.8%, and 30-day mortality was 21.5%. Staying in intensive care units (ICU) increased the risk of 30-day mortality by 1.1 times, and respiratory-focused SAB increased the risk by 4.3 times. Conclusion: SAB is still a big threat. Staphylococcal pneumonia remains a severe infection. Several prognostic factors influence mortality. Identifying the source, ensuring source control, and appropriate initial therapy as soon as possible are critical for reducing mortality and morbidity in SAB. Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, bacteremia, staphylococcal pneumonia, mortality