Characteristics of healthcare-associated infections contributing to unexpected in-hospital deaths

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2010 Aug;31(8):864-6. doi: 10.1086/655018.

Abstract

We reviewed the medical records of all the patients who died in our hospital during the period from 2004 through 2008 to determine the contribution of healthcare-associated infections to mortality. Of the 179 unexpected in-hospital deaths during that period, 55 (31%) were related to 69 healthcare-associated infections. The most common healthcare-associated infection was central line-associated bloodstream infection, and the most common organisms identified were members of the Enterobacteriaceae family. Overall, 45% of bacterial isolates were multidrug resistant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacteremia / epidemiology
  • Bacteremia / microbiology
  • Bacteremia / mortality*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / mortality*
  • Cross Infection / physiopathology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Enterobacteriaceae / drug effects
  • Enterobacteriaceae / isolation & purification
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / epidemiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / mortality*
  • Female
  • Hospital Mortality*
  • Hospitals, Veterans
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maryland
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents