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Bacteremia in patients without known underlying disorders
1Department of Medicine B, Beilinson Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Bacteremia, or bacteria in the bloodstream, often affects older individuals with existing health issues. Urinary tract infections are the most common source, but other infections carry higher mortality risks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Bacteremia is a serious condition, often occurring in patients with comorbidities.
- Identifying common sources and pathogens is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the characteristics, sources, pathogens, and outcomes of bacteremic patients.
- To identify factors associated with mortality in bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 2030 consecutive patients with bacteremia.
- Data collection included patient demographics, infection sources, causative pathogens, and mortality.
Main Results:
- Urinary tract infections were the most common source (48%), with Escherichia coli being the predominant pathogen (45%).
- Overall mortality was 13%, significantly higher for non-urinary tract infections (19%). Septic shock and meningitis were uniformly fatal.
- Factors associated with increased mortality included nursing home residence, low functional capacity, advanced age, and specific pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions:
- Bacteremia in patients without underlying disorders, particularly those with urinary tract infections, requires close monitoring and supportive care.
- Prompt recognition of risk factors and aggressive management are essential for improving outcomes in bacteremic patients.