Objectives: Children with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) bacteremia risk developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to identify clinical variables and bacterial virulence factors associated with VTE in SA bacteremia.
Study design: This is a single-institution retrospective study of 229 children with SA bacteremia hospitalized from 2005 to 2008. Clinical data were abstracted from patient charts. Two-hundred three SA isolates were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. The Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) database was queried to identify subjects with a central venous line (CVL) or complex chronic conditions (CCC). Logistic regression analysis was employed to determine which factors most greatly influenced VTE.
Results: VTE was present in 9.2% (n=21/229). Superficial thrombi were excluded. Mortality was greater in patients with VTE [24% vs. 6% (p=0.016)]. Among SA isolates available for virulence testing, the majority (70%; n=139) were methicillin-sensitive SA (MSSA). Methicillin-resistant SA (MRSA) infection was associated with VTE (p=0.01). The most common sites of thrombosis were extremity deep vein (58%; n=14/24), head/neck (29%; n=7), and visceral (13%; n=3). One subject had a pulmonary embolism. The presence of a CVL or a CCC was not associated with VTE. Independent predictors of VTE were C-reactive protein (CRP)≥20mg/dl [OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.16-15.25] and hemoglobin nadir ≤9g/dl [OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.3-20.64].
Conclusions: In addition to MRSA infection, CRP≥20mg/dl and hemoglobin nadir ≤9g/dl were associated with VTE in SA bacteremia. These factors may serve as markers for increased risk of VTE with invasive SA disease.
Keywords: Anemia; Bacteremia; CRP; Thrombosis; VTE; Virulence factors.
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