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Outcomes Associated With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: A Meta-Analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Cassandra D. Salgado and
Barry M. Farr
Cassandra D. Salgado
Affiliation:
Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
Barry M. Farr*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
*
P.O. Box 800473, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908
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Abstract

Background:

Because patients with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus bacteremia (VREB) usually have a higher severity of illness, it has been unclear whether VREB is worse than vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus bacteremia (VSEB).

Methods:

Data on morbidity and case fatality rates and costs were pooled from studies comparing VREB and VSEB, identified by Medline (January 1986 to April 2002) and meeting abstracts. Heterogeneity across studies was assessed with contingency table chi-square. Multivariate analyses (MVAs) controlling for other predictors were evaluated.

Results:

Thirteen studies compared case-fatality rates of VREB and VSEB. VREB case fatality was significantly higher (48.9% vs 19%; RR, 2.57; CI95, 2.27 to 2.91; attributable mortality = 30%). Five studies compared VREB with VSEB when bacteremia was the direct cause of death; VREB case fatality was significantly higher (39.1% vs 21.8%; RR, 1.79; CI95, 1.28 to 2.5; attributable mortality = 17%). Four MVAs found significant increases in case-fatality rates (OR 2.10 to 4.0), 3 showed trends toward increase (OR, 1.74 to 3.34 with wide confidence intervals), and 3 with low statistical power found no difference. VREB recurred in 16.9% versus 3.7% with VSEB (P < .0001). Three studies reported significant increases in LOS, costs, or both with VREB.

Conclusion:

Most studies have had inadequate sample size, inadequate adjustment for other predictors of adverse outcomes, or both, but available data suggest that VREB is associated with higher recurrence, mortality, and excess costs than VSEB including multiple studies adjusting for severity of illness.

Information

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 24 , Issue 9 , September 2003, pp. 690 - 698
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2003

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