Rate and impact of multidrug-resistant organisms in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are an increasing problem in critical care medicine. This study describes for the first time the rate and impact of MDRO in patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS: Anonymized data of SAH patients admitted to our institution from November 2010 to August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with microbiological tests positive for MDRO were identified. Screening of MDRO was in consensus with national recommendations.

RESULTS: 449 SAH patients were reviewed with 18 patients (prevalence: four MDRO-positive patients per 100 SAH patients) having positive tests for MDRO during their hospital stay. The prevalence upon admission was 1.3 MDRO-positive patients per 100 patients. The acquisition rate was 1.1 MDRO-positive patients per 1000 hospital days. Patients positive for an MDRO had a significantly extended length of stay in intensive care (mean ± SD 26.7 ± 13.0 versus 18.4 ± 11.7 days, p = 0.004) and in hospital (mean ± SD 33.9 ± 12.4 versus 24.4 ± 12.6 days, p = 0.002). MDRO detection was associated with a significant prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation (median (IQR) 254.0 (14.9-632.8) versus 37.5 (3.3-277.0) hours, p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant effect on the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) at discharge and at follow-up after 164.4 ± 113.0 days.

CONCLUSIONS: MDRO positivity is present in 4% of aneurysmal SAH patients. It seems to be associated with a prolonged length of stay and prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation. The importance of infection control standards in neurointensive care units is emphasized.