Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
Published on: August 12, 2020
Impact of total body weight on 30-day mortality in patients with gram-negative bacteremia
Ronald G Hall1,2,3,4, Eunice D Yoo5, Andrew C Faust6
1a Department of Pharmacy Practice , Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Dallas TX , USA.
Background:
The impact of total body weight (TBW) on 30-day mortality associated with gram-negative bacteremia has not been previously evaluated.
Methods:
The cohort included 323 patients >/ = 18 years old with gram-negative bacteremia (1/1/2008-8/31/2011) who received >/ = 48 hours of antibiotics. We compared 30-day mortality of TBW <70 kg vs. >/ = 70 kg with a multivariable stepwise logistic regression adjusting for age >/ = 70 years, cancer diagnosis, and Pitt bacteremia score of >/ = 4.
Results:
The cohort was 57% TBW >/ = 70 kg and 43% TBW <70 kg. TBW >/ = 70 kg patients had lower 30-day mortality (11.0% vs. 16.3%), which was significant in the multivariable analysis (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.97). Cancer and Pitt bacteremia score >/ = 4 were also independently associated with 30-day mortality. TBW was no longer significant when TBW <50 kg patients were excluded.
Conclusion:
TBW >/ = 70 kg was associated with an improved 30-day mortality; however, the high mortality rates for patients with a TBW < 50 kg is responsible for this association.
Insights
Total body weight (TBW) impacts gram-negative bacteremia outcomes. Patients weighing 70 kg or more had lower 30-day mortality, but this association was driven by high mortality in patients under 50 kg.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gram-negative bacteremia poses a significant mortality risk.
- The influence of total body weight (TBW) on patient outcomes in gram-negative bacteremia has not been previously investigated.
- Understanding factors affecting mortality is crucial for improving patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of total body weight (TBW) on 30-day mortality in patients with gram-negative bacteremia.
- To determine if specific weight thresholds are associated with differential mortality rates.
- To identify patient characteristics that influence outcomes in gram-negative bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 323 adult patients with gram-negative bacteremia receiving at least 48 hours of antibiotics was analyzed.
- Patients were categorized by total body weight (TBW): <70 kg versus >=70 kg.
- Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess 30-day mortality, adjusting for age, cancer diagnosis, and Pitt bacteremia score.
Main Results:
- Patients with TBW >=70 kg exhibited lower 30-day mortality (11.0%) compared to those with TBW <70 kg (16.3%).
- Multivariable analysis confirmed that TBW >=70 kg was associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21-0.97).
- Excluding patients with TBW <50 kg rendered the TBW association non-significant, indicating high mortality in this subgroup.
Conclusions:
- Total body weight >=70 kg is associated with improved 30-day survival in gram-negative bacteremia.
- The observed association is primarily driven by a significantly higher mortality rate among patients with TBW <50 kg.
- Further research is needed to understand the specific factors contributing to high mortality in low-weight patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Drug Dosing: Obese Patients
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management