Risk factors for bloodstream infections in cardiac and neurosurgery patients

Aim . To identify risk factors for bloodstream infections in patients admitted to cardiac surgery and neurosurgery units. Materials and Methods . We conducted a comprehensive combined retrospective (2018-2019) and prospective (2020­2022) case-control study which analysed treatment outcomes in 6,068 patients and examined 16 risk factors of bloodstream infections. Results . Out of 16 studied risk factors, three had no impact on bloodstream infection development. Central venous catheterization for > 48 hours was associated with an increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections (1.2-fold in patients admitted to cardiac surgery units). Extra­corporeal membrane oxygenation dramatically increased the risk of bloodstream infections (OR = 14.18, 95% CI [5.1739.13], p < 0.001). In patients admitted to neurosurgery units, bloodstream infection risk factors included pneumonia at the admission and the degree of consciousness impairment. In cardiac surgery patients, risk factors included multiple organ failure, antimicrobial therapy prior to the admission, hospi­talization within the previous 3 months, age > 65 years, and an intensive care unit stay > 3 days. Conclusion. Identified risk factors of bloodstream infections should be considered in the epidemiological safety framework of healthcare insti­tutions.