Predictors of mortality in beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia: a population-based study.
OBJECTIVE
Several factors associated with mortality in Lancefield group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia have been described in population-based surveillance studies, whereas such reports on group B, C, and G streptococcal are scant.


METHODS
In this population-based study all 314 episodes of beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia in adult patients in the Pirkanmaa area, Finland, during the 10-year period 1995-2004 were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
The 30-day case-fatality rate was 13%, being highest in group C (22%); in group A it was 15%, in group B 7%, and in group G 15%. Confusion, unconsciousness and dyspnea as the first sign or symptom were associated with increased case-fatality, while fever seemed to be a protecting factor for death. Alcoholism and ultimately or rapidly fatal underlying disease were significantly associated with increased case-fatality. Among infections of the skin and soft-tissues, necrotizing fasciitis had the highest risk of death (38%), while patients with cellulitis had a case-fatality of 8%. A history of previous cellulitis seemed to protect against death (case-fatality of 3% as compared to 16% among those without such a history (p=0.014)).


CONCLUSIONS
A history of previous cellulitis seemed to be a protecting factor against death. Fever was also associated with a good prognosis.
Rantala
Sari
S
Department of Internal Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland. sari.rantala@pshp.fi
Vuopio-Varkila
Jaana
J
Vuento
Risto
R
Huhtala
Heini
H
Syrjänen
Jaana
J
D016470:Bacteremia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality*; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000302:isolation & purification