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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in palliative care: A prospective study of Methicillin-resistant
Oliver Schmalz1, Tobias Strapatsas2, Christof Alefelder3
1Medical Clinic 1, Division of Oncology and Palliative Care, HELIOS Klinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany Oliver.Schmalz@helios-kliniken.de.
Background:
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a common organism in hospitals worldwide and is associated with morbidity and mortality. However, little is known about the prevalence in palliative care patients. Furthermore, there is no standardized screening protocol or treatment for patients for whom therapy concentrates on symptom control.
Aim:
Examining the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in palliative care patients as well as the level of morbidity and mortality.
Design:
We performed a prospective study where methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening was undertaken in 296 consecutive patients within 48 h after admission to our palliative care unit. Medical history was taken, clinical examination was performed, and the Karnofsky Performance Scale and Palliative Prognostic Score were determined. Prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was compared to data of general hospital patients.
Results:
In total, 281 patients were included in the study having a mean age of 69.7 years (standard deviation = 12.9 years) and an average Karnofsky Performance Scale between 30% and 40%. The mean length of stay was 9.7 days (standard deviation = 7.6 days). A total of 24 patients were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus positive on the first swab. Median number of swabs was 2. All patients with a negative methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus swab upon admission remained Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus negative in all subsequent swabs.
Conclusion:
Our study suggests that the prevalence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among patients in an in-hospital palliative care unit is much higher than in other patient populations.
Insights
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is more prevalent in palliative care patients than in general hospital populations. This study highlights the need for increased MRSA screening and awareness in this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Palliative Care Medicine
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant global healthcare-associated pathogen.
- Limited data exists on MRSA prevalence within palliative care settings.
- Current palliative care focuses on symptom management, often without standardized MRSA protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MRSA in an inpatient palliative care unit.
- To assess MRSA-related morbidity and mortality in this patient cohort.
- To compare MRSA prevalence in palliative care with general hospital populations.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 296 consecutive admissions to a palliative care unit.
- MRSA screening conducted within 48 hours of admission.
- Data collected included medical history, clinical examination, Karnofsky Performance Scale, and Palliative Prognostic Score.
Main Results:
- 281 patients were analyzed; mean age 69.7 years, Karnofsky Performance Scale 30-40%.
- MRSA prevalence was found to be higher than in general hospital patient data.
- 24 patients (8.5%) tested positive for MRSA on initial screening; no new MRSA acquisitions during stay.
Conclusions:
- In-hospital palliative care units may have a significantly higher MRSA prevalence.
- Findings suggest a need for tailored MRSA screening and management strategies in palliative care.
- Further research is warranted to understand MRSA's impact on palliative care outcomes.
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