A clinical index predicting mortality with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to define risk factors associated with mortality in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bactaeremia and to combine them in a clinical index predicting the risk of death. The study investigated 125 consecutive episodes of P. aeruginosa bacteraemia at this hospital. Crude mortality was 34%, corresponding to 43 patients who died, with 67% of deaths, directly attributable to bacteraemia. A regression logistic model identified five variables that were independently and significantly associated with an increased risk of death: 1) hospitalisation in the intensive care unit; 2) coagulopathy; 3) septic shock; 4) age > or = 65 years; and 5) the clinical condition of the patient. These variables were as recorded at the time that the first positive blood culture was obtained. The sensitivity and specificity of a prediction of death based on the model were 84% and 85%, respectively. An index score, calculated from these variables, divided patients into three groups with increasing likelihood of mortality resulting from P. aeruginosa bacteraemia.