Predictive factors of in-hospital mortality in patients with laboratory-confirmed Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species or Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections

Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GNBSI) are confirmed by the presence of gram-negative bacteria in the bloodstream and pose a significant healthcare issue as they increase the risk of sepsis and mortality. In England, the aim is to reduce GNBSI cases and further deterioration through enhanced population surveillance of patients with a laboratory-confirmed GNBSI to inform on healthcare policies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with a laboratory-confirmed Escherichia coli, Klebsiella or Pseudomonas aeruginosa GNBSIs, with data obtained from the enhanced data capture for the surveillance of GNBSIs. All patients with a laboratory-confirmed GNBSI at a single centre, admitted between April 2017 and March 2019, were included in this retrospective observational study. Demographic and recent exposure to healthcare risk factors were collected and assessed for the association with in-hospital mortality. In 1113 patients with laboratory-confirmed GNBSIs, the in-hospital mortality rate was 13%. Multivariable analysis confirmed that patients with respiratory (OR = 3.73, 95%CI = 2.05-6.76), gastrointestinal (2.61; 1.22-5.58) or skin (3.61; 1.24-10.54) infection primary focus had a greater risk of in-hospital mortality, compared to upper urinary tract infections. Increased risk of in-hospital mortality was also observed in patients with hospital-onset GNBSIs (OR = 1.87; 1.17-2.97) compared with community-onset healthcare acquired GNBSIs, or who were on dialysis at the time of the GNBSI (3.28; 1.01-10.14), as well as in patients who had recently been discharged from hospital (1.55; 1.01-2.38), or had a vascular device recently manipulated (2.41; 1.01-5.74). Results confirm that the data obtained from the enhanced data capture for GNBSIs in England can predict in-hospital mortality in patients with a GNBSI. Several factors associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality have been identified. Results should be reported back to clinicians in order to identify patients at a greater risk of dying in-hospital who may benefit from further monitoring.

Automated summary

This study analyzed factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with GNBSIs caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results indicated that patients with respiratory, gastrointestinal, or skin infection as primary focus, hospital-onset GNBSIs, dialysis at the time of infection, recent hospital discharge, and vascular device manipulation are at increased risk of in-hospital mortality. The data obtained from enhanced surveillance of GNBSIs in England can predict in-hospital mortality and should be used for identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from closer monitoring.