Table 1.
Descriptive characteristics of the cohort (N = 255)
| Variable | Number | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Age >65 years | 93 | 36.5 |
| Comorbid diseases | ||
| Diabetes mellitus | 63 | 24.7 |
| Chronic renal failure | 56 | 22.0 |
| Previous surgery | 54 | 21.2 |
| Malignant diseases | 53 | 20.8 |
| Skin disorder | 51 | 20.0 |
| Immunosuppressive therapy in last 3 monthsa | 32 | 12.6 |
| Burns | 28 | 11.0 |
| Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease | 11 | 4.1 |
| Congestive heart failure | 11 | 4.1 |
| Cerebrovascular event | 10 | 3.9 |
| Othersb | 50 | 19.6 |
| Clinical findings | ||
| Fever (≥38 °C) | 230 | 910 |
| Tachycardia (>100 beats/min) | 191 | 74.9 |
| Tachypnea (>20 breaths/min) | 147 | 57.7 |
| Hypotension (arterial tension <90 mmHg) | 91 | 35.7 |
| Altered consciousnessc | 41 | 16.1 |
| Coexistent factors | ||
| Peripheral venous catheter | 165 | 64.7 |
| Central venous catheter | 130 | 51.0 |
| Intensive care unit admission | 107 | 42.0 |
| Prior antibiotic used | 101 | 39.6 |
| Mechanical ventilation | 80 | 31.4 |
| Prior hospitalization | 78 | 30.6 |
| Endotracheal tube | 73 | 28.63 |
| Tracheostomy | 41 | 16.1 |
| Prior cardio-pulmonary resuscitation | 28 | 11.0 |
| Laboratory findings | ||
| Leukocytosis (WBC count >10,000/mm3) | 180 | 70.6 |
| Thrombocytopenia (platelet <150,000/mm3) | 93 | 36.5 |
| Leukopenia (WBC <4000/mm3) | 26 | 10.2 |
WBC white blood cells
aCancer chemotherapy, steroid treatment and others
bCirrhosis, 9; Chronic alcoholism, 9; Connective tissue disorder, 6; Resident of elderly care center, 6; Alzheimer’s disease, 6; intravenous drug user, 2; Renal transplantation, 1
cDrowsiness and coma diagnosed by a physician
dA month prior to detection of S. aureus bacteremia