Bacteremia secondary to decubitus ulcer
Espejo Arenas, E.; Bella Cueto, F.; Aloy Duch, A.; Morera Pomarede, M.A.; Espaulella Panicot, J.; Mauri Pont, M.
Medicina Clinica 93(16): 604-606
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7753 PMID: 2615535 Document Number: 340684
We have prospectively evaluated 16 episodes of bacteremia induced by decubitus ulcers. The most commonly isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacteroides fragilis. Bacteremia was polymicrobial in 5 cases (31%). Most ulcers were already present at the time of admission, but bacteremia developed within the hospital in 13 patients. In 3 patients, ulcers did not show local features of infection. The initial antibiotic therapy was satisfactory in 13 cases. Mortality rate directly associated with bacteremia was 18%, but the overall mortality rate was 62%. We did not identify data permitting a reliable prediction of the findings of blood culture; therefore, the initial empirical therapy should be active against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas, enteric Gram-negative bacilli and anaerobes including Bacteroides fragilis.