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Observational Study
. 2023 Feb;51(1):129-136.
doi: 10.1007/s15010-022-01853-4. Epub 2022 Jun 10.

Risk factors associated with bacteremia in COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit: a retrospective multicenter cohort study

Affiliations
Observational Study

Risk factors associated with bacteremia in COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit: a retrospective multicenter cohort study

Cecilia Bonazzetti et al. Infection. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: This multicenter observational study was done to evaluate risk factors related to the development of BSI in patients admitted to ICU for COVID-19.

Methods: All patients with COVID-19 admitted in two COVID-19 dedicated ICUs in two different hospital between 02-2020 and 02-2021 were recruited.

Result: 537 patients were included of whom 265 (49.3%) experienced at least one BSI. Patients who developed bacteremia had a higher SOFA score [10 (8-12) vs 9 (7-10), p < 0.001], had been intubated more frequently [95.8% vs 75%, p < 0.001] and for a median longer time [16 days (9-25) vs 8 days (5-14), p < 0.001]. Patients with BSI had a median longer ICU stay [18 days (12-31.5) vs 9 days (5-15), p < 0.001] and higher mortality [54% vs 42.3%, p < 0.001] than those who did not develop it. Development of BSI resulted in a higher SOFA score [aHR 1.08 (95% CI 1.03-1.12)] and a higher Charlson score [csAHR 1.15 (95% CI 1.05-1.25)].

Conclusion: A high SOFA score and a high Charlson score resulted associated with BSI's development. Conversely, immunosuppressive therapy like steroids and tocilizumab, has no role in increasing the risk of bacteremia.

Keywords: Bacteremia; COVID-19; Charlson score; Immunosuppressive therapy; SOFA score.

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Conflict of interest statement

The remaining authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest. Dr. Giacomelli received funding from consultancy fees from Mylan and educational support from Gilead. Prof. Antinori has received support for research activities from Pfizer and Merck Sharp and Dome. The remaining authors have disclosed that they do not have any potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

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Eligibility process

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