Defining the Breakpoint Duration of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Predictive of Poor Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Persistent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is defined based on varying duration in literature. The primary objective was to determine the risk of poor outcomes in relation to bacteremia duration. Methods: Multicenter, prospective, observational study of adult hospitalized patients with SAB. Medical records were reviewed for pertinent data. Patients were grouped by bacteremia duration: short (1-2 days), intermediate (3-6 days), and prolonged (≥7 days) and compared for risk factors and outcomes. Results: Of 884 patients, 63% had short, 28% intermediate, and 9% prolonged bacteremia. Overall mean age was 57 years, and 70% were male. The prolonged group had the highest proportion of methicillin-resistant SAB (P