Risk factors associated with bloodstream infections in end-stage renal disease patients: a population-based study

Bloodstream infections (BSI) commonly complicate end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are the second most common cause of death in these patients. The objective of this study was to define risk factors for development of BSI and its outcome among ESRD patients.

A retrospective, population-based, matched cohort design was utilized. All adult (18 or older) residents of the western interior of British Columbia with ESRD who had a first BSI between April 2010 and March 2017 were included. Subject cases were then matched 1:1 with an ESRD patient from the regional registry who did not have a BSI.

During the study period a total of 53 cases of incident BSI were identified among patients with ESRD. The median age was 70.7 (interquartile range, 61.9-79.6) years and 28 (53%) were male. The most common organism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (17 cases; 32%). Compared to controls, case patients were significantly (p < .05) more likely to have higher Charlson comorbidity scores (mean difference (MD): 1.4; 95% CI (0.5, 2.2)), and have lower serum albumin (MD: -3.3; 95% CI (-5.5, -1.2)). Diabetes was not significant; however, cases were twice as likely to be diabetic (OR: 2.0; 95% CI (0.9, 4.8)). Case fatality rates for 30- and 90-days were 8/53 (15%) and 13/53 (25%) respectively, whereas no control patients died (p < .05).

ESRD patients with higher co-morbid illness, and lower serum albumin are at an increased risk for development of a BSI. Development of BSI among ESRD patients is associated with higher fatality rates.