Determination of associated factors with death in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A single-center, retrospective study.

UNLABELLED

The effect of COVID-19 on the outcomes of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is still unknown.

AIM

In this study, we aimed to determine associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia and to explore the impact of prior COVID-19.

DESIGN AND SETTING

In this retrospective and single-center study, all adult patients (≥ 18 years old) with S. aureus bacteremia between March 2020 and February 2022 were included.

METHODS

The outcomes of our study were 14-day and 28-day hospital mortality after the first positive blood culture was obtained. Univariate and Cox regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 140 patients with S. aureus bacteremia were included in the study. The median age was 64.5 (48.5-76) and 82 (58.5%) of the patients were male. 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 28.6% and 37.1% respectively. Among patients with S. aureus bacteremia and previous COVID-19 history, 14-day and 28-day mortality rates were 33.9% (n = 21) and 41.9% (n = 26), respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that Pitt bacteremia score, AST, urea, and previous antibiotic use were associated factors for 14-day mortality and 28-day mortality due to S. aureus bacteremia.

CONCLUSIONS

This study justified the remarkable fatality of S. aureus bacteremia during the COVID-19 pandemic period and revealed that a high Pitt bacteremia score, increased levels of AST and urea, and previous antibiotic exposure were associated factors for mortality in patients with S. aureus bacteremia.