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Enterococcus faecium bacteremia: does vancomycin resistance make a difference?
V Stosor1, L R Peterson, M Postelnick
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill 60611, USA.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|March 21, 1998
Summary
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) bacteremia significantly reduces patient survival and increases healthcare costs. This resistant strain often arises from prolonged hospital stays in vulnerable individuals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Enterococcus faecium is increasingly recognized for its vancomycin resistance.
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) poses a significant public health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological features of VRE bacteremia.
- To assess the clinical impact of vancomycin resistance on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 53 patients with Enterococcus faecium bacteremia.
- Comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes between vancomycin-susceptible (VSE) and VRE groups.
Main Results:
- VRE bacteremia was associated with prior vancomycin use and indwelling bladder catheters.
- Survival rates were significantly lower for VRE (24%) compared to VSE (59%) bacteremia.
- VRE infections led to longer hospitalizations and higher costs.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium is linked to prolonged hospitalization and patient debilitation.
- Vancomycin resistance negatively impacts survival and increases healthcare expenditures.