Impact of Multi-Drug-Resistant Pneumonia on Outcomes of Critically Ill Trauma Patients.

Background: Rates of infections with multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are increasing among critically ill patients. Among non-surgical patients, MDROs increase directly the risk of adverse secondary events including death. However, similar effects do not appear to occur among surgical patients. Specifically, among critically injured trauma patients, it is unknown whether degree of injury versus the presence of an MDRO increases the risk of death.
Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of admitted adult trauma patients. Data included demographics, medical comorbidities, injury severity score, infections, occurrence of pneumonia including microbiology sensitivity profile, hospital course, and outcomes.
Results: Patients requiring adminission to the intensive care unit (ICU) were more severely injured with greater degree of thoracic and head trauma and had a greater burden of pre-trauma medical comorbidities. Among those admitted to the ICU, 93 patients developed pneumonia. Patients who developed pneumonia were younger and more severely injured, with higher rates of thoracic and head injuries and higher rates of smoking. Development of pneumonia was associated with worse outcomes. However, among patients with pneumonia, comparing MDRO to pan-sensitive (PanSens) infections, PanSens infection occurred earlier and were more likely associated with pre-trauma smoking status. There was no difference in injury patterns, medical comorbidities, or outcomes.
Conclusion: The development of pneumonia among trauma patients reflects degree of injury and underlying medical status. However, development of MDRO versus PanSens pneumonia did not affect trauma-related outcomes further. This information will guide family discussions and critical care decisions better among vulnerable trauma patients.