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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Published on: July 12, 2018
Clinical predictors of mortality in patients with pseudomonas aeruginosa infection
Jim Abi Frem1, George Doumat1, Jamil Kazma2
1Department of Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
Background:
Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are difficult to treat with a significant cost and burden. In Lebanon, P. aeruginosa is one of the most common organisms in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). P. aeruginosa has developed widespread resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents such as fluoroquinolones and carbapenems. We aimed at identifying risk factors associated for P. aeruginosa infections as well as identifying independent risk factors for developing septic shock and in-hospital mortality.
Methods:
We used a cross-sectional study design where we included patients with documented P. aeruginosa cultures who developed an infection after obtaining written consent. Two multivariable regression models were used to determine independent predictors of septic shock and mortality.
Results:
During the observed period of 30 months 196 patients were recruited. The most common predisposing factor was antibiotic use for more than 48 hours within 30 days (55%). The prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa was 10%. The strongest predictors of mortality were steroid use (aOR = 3.4), respiratory failure (aOR = 7.3), identified respiratory cultures (aOR = 6.0), malignancy (aOR = 9.8), septic shock (aOR = 18.6), and hemodialysis (aOR = 30.9).
Conclusion:
Understanding resistance patterns and risk factors associated with mortality is crucial to personalize treatment based on risk level and to decrease the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Insights
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are a major challenge, especially in Lebanon. This study identified key risk factors for septic shock and mortality in patients with P. aeruginosa infections, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections pose significant treatment challenges and economic burdens.
- P. aeruginosa is a leading cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in Lebanon.
- Widespread antimicrobial resistance, including to fluoroquinolones and carbapenems, complicates treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with P. aeruginosa infections.
- To determine independent predictors of septic shock.
- To identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Inclusion of patients with documented P. aeruginosa cultures and infections.
- Application of two multivariable regression models to identify predictors.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic use >48 hours within 30 days was the most common predisposing factor (55%).
- Prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa was 10%.
- Strongest mortality predictors included steroid use, respiratory failure, malignancy, septic shock, and hemodialysis.
Conclusions:
- Understanding P. aeruginosa resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
- Identifying risk factors allows for personalized treatment strategies.
- This knowledge aids in combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
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