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Incidence, Risk Factors, and Prognosis of Bloodstream Infections in COVID-19 Patients in Intensive Care: A
Ahmet Furkan Kurt1, Bilgul Mete1, Seval Urkmez2
1Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, 64298Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Background:
Critically ill COVID-19 patients are prone to bloodstream infections (BSIs).
Aim:
To evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of BSIs developing in COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Methods:
Patients staying at least 48 h in ICU from 22 March 2020 to 25 May 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed.
Results:
The median age of the sample (n = 470) was 66 years (IQR 56.0-76.0), and 64% were male. The three most common comorbidities were hypertension (49.8%), diabetes mellitus (32.8%), and coronary artery disease (25.7%). Further, 252 BSI episodes developed in 179 patients, and the BSI incidence rate was 50.2 (95% CI 44.3-56.7) per 1000 patient-days. The source of BSI is central venous catheter in 42.5% and lower respiratory tract in 38.9% of the episodes. Acinetobacter baumannii (40%) and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (21%) were the most common pathogens. CRP levels were lower in patients receiving tocilizumab. Multivariable analysis revealed that continuous renal replacement therapy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and treatment with a combination of methylprednisolone and tocilizumab were independent risk factors for BSI. The estimated cumulative risk of developing first BSI episode was 50% after 6 days and 100% after 25 days. Of the 179 patients, 149 (83.2%) died, and a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in the survival distribution in favor of the group without BSI.
Conclusion:
BSI is a common complication in COVID-19 patients followed in the ICU, and it can lead to mortality. Failure in infection control measures, intensive immunosuppressive treatments, and invasive interventions are among the main factors leading to BSIs.
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