Risk Factors for Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Bloodstream Infections and Outcomes

PURPOSE: The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) bloodstream infections (BSIs) is increasing globally; however, little has been reported on the risk factors and outcomes of CRKP BSIs in central China. This study aimed to determine the clinical risk factors for CRKP BSIs and the outcomes of CRKP BSIs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a case-control study of 239 patients with K. pneumoniae BSIs who were treated at Henan Provincial People’s Hospital between July 2017 and July 2018. The cases (n=98, 41%) had CRKP BSIs, and the controls (n=141, 59%) had non-carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (non-CRKP) BSIs. Antimicrobial sensitivity was determined using automated broth microdilution and an agar disk diffusion method. Data were obtained from clinical and laboratory records. Multivariate logistic regression and Pearson chi-square tests were used to identify clinical factors and outcomes associated with carbapenem resistance. RESULTS: Risk factors for carbapenem resistance included recent carbapenem use (odds ratio [OR]: 9.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.2–17.1, P<0.001), invasive procedures (OR: 11.1, 95% CI: 3.3–37.7, P<0.001), and pre-existing diseases of the digestive system (OR: 8.22, 95% CI: 1.73–39.2, P=0.008). Treatment failure was more frequent in the cases (84.7%) than in the controls (32.6%). CONCLUSION: Exposure to antibiotics, especially carbapenems, and invasive procedures were the major risk factors for carbapenem resistance among patients with K. pneumoniae BSIs. Strict control measures should be implemented to prevent the emergence and spread of CRKP.