The Power of the pitt bacteremia score in bloodstream infections in older adults

Aim: High morbidity and mortality rates, particularly among older adults, are associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs).This study evaluates clinical characteristics, microbiological profile, and predictive factors of 30-day mortality in BSI patients.Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 1,147 BSI patients from a tertiary hospital.Patients were classified based on pathogen type-Gram-positive bacteria (GPB), Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), and others-and mortality outcomes were assessed.Results: A 64.9% rate of BSIs was attributed to GNB in the study.GNB infections had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate (70.4%, n=380) than GPB (28.7%, n=155), resulting in an overall mortality rate of 47.1% (n=540).Increased intensive care unit (ICU) lengths of stay, higher Pitt Bacteremia Scores (PBS), and more frequent use of mechanical ventilation and vasopressors were observed in non-survivors.PBS was identified as the strongest predictor of mortality, with each one-unit increase in PBS being associated with a 61% higher risk of death (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.61, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.53-1.69,p < 0.001).Discussion: This research shows the substantial burden of BSIs in older adults, thus emphasizing the need for early risk assessment through PBS and implementing targeted antimicrobial therapies for better outcomes.