Risk factors for mortality due to bacteremia in patients with hematological malignancies - a retrospective study.

Carbapenem resistant (CRAB) is a significant cause of hospital acquired bloodstream infections in patients with hematological malignancies. Data regarding outcomes in this group of patients are limited. We retrospectively analyzed mortality risk factors of hospitalized hematological patients with CRAB bacteremia in our center. Among 46 included patients, overall 7-day mortality was 72% (33/46). Risk factors for 7-day mortality in multivariate analysis were higher infection severity score (SOFA score) at presentation (OR 1.481, 95% CI 1.091-2.012,  = .012) while appropriate antibiotic therapy within 48 h was protective (OR 0.052, 95% CI 0.005-0.590,  = .017). Inappropriate antibiotic therapy within 24 h was not significantly associated with 7-day mortality nor was absolute neutrophil count. Thirty-day mortality was 96% (44/46). CRAB bacteremia in hematological patients is associated with extremely high mortality, regardless of therapy. Infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship aiming to prevent this infection of dismal prognosis are of major importance.