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The impact of MRSA on vascular surgery
A Nasim1, M M Thompson, A R Naylor
1Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary NHS Trust, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
Objectives:
To investigate the prevalence of MRSA infection in patients treated in a major vascular unit and examine its consequences.
Design And Methods:
A retrospective case-note review was performed.
Results:
During the period 1993 to 2000, a total of 172 patients (4.4% of total) were positive for MRSA. Of these 97 were colonised and 75 were infected by MRSA. The proportion of wound or graft infections caused by MRSA has increased (4% in 1994 to 63% in 2000). Three patients developed native artery infection (one following aortic stent insertion and 2 following embolectomy). All patients with aortic graft infection died. All patients with infected prosthetic infrainguinal bypass ended up with an amputation.
Conclusion:
The prevalence of MRSA infection is increasing. Infection of aortic grafts appears to be uniformly fatal and lower limb graft infection is associated with high limb loss.
Insights
The prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is rising in vascular patients. MRSA aortic graft infections are fatal, and lower limb graft infections lead to amputation.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) poses a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Vascular patients are susceptible to infections due to surgical procedures and compromised health.
- Understanding MRSA prevalence and outcomes in vascular units is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of MRSA in a major vascular unit.
- To analyze the clinical consequences of MRSA infections in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient case notes.
- Data collection from 1993 to 2000.
Main Results:
- MRSA was detected in 4.4% of patients (172 total).
- MRSA wound or graft infections increased from 4% in 1994 to 63% in 2000.
- Aortic graft infections resulted in mortality; infrainguinal bypass infections led to amputation.
Conclusions:
- MRSA infection prevalence is escalating in vascular surgery patients.
- Aortic graft infections carry a uniformly fatal prognosis.
- Lower limb vascular graft infections are strongly associated with limb loss.