Serum Cholesterol Levels at the Onset of Bloodstream Infection Have Prognostic Value

Abstract

Objective: The aims of this study were to investigate the changes in serum cholesterol levels at the onset of blood- stream infection (BSI) and to determine whether serum cholesterol levels were associated with patients’ clinical back- grounds and the prognosis of BSI. Methods: A retrospective chart review was done to collect demographic information and the subjects’ medical history, invasive procedures, and medications. Patients and Methods: From April 2003 to March 2006, all patients aged ≥20 years with positive blood cultures in the University of Tokyo Hospital (a tertiary teaching hospital with 1200 beds) were enrolled. Results: Average cholesterol levels before the onset of BSI were 166.5 ± 46.5 mg/dL, and, at the onset of BSI, they decreased to 134.4 ± 45.0 mg/dL (p < 0.001). Thirty-day survivors had higher cholesterol levels both before and at the onset of BSI than non-survivors. Cholesterol levels at the onset of BSI were associated with the organisms of BSI. Patients with lower cholesterol levels tended to have higher 30-day mortality rates and longer medical treatment than patients with higher cholesterol levels (13% vs 3%, p = 0.12; 24.3 days vs 18.4 days, p = 0.15). Conclusion: Cholesterol levels at the onset of BSI could be used as a prognostic marker in patients with BSI.