Hospital-acquired infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) are a growing concern in intensive care units (ICUs) across Italy. A recent multicenter study sheds light on the alarming incidence of these infections, revealing that 3.57 and 1.74 cases occur per 1,000 patient days for CRE and CRPA, respectively.
The study highlights that ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infections are the most common complications. Notably, empirical therapy targeting gram-negative pathogens was inappropriate in nearly 60% of cases, with a staggering 74% inappropriateness rate for CRE infections. Mortality rates were also significantly higher in CRE-infected patients (36.7%) compared to those with CRPA (20%).
These findings emphasize the urgent need for enhanced infection prevention strategies, rapid diagnostic methods, and more effective treatment protocols in ICUs. They also underline the importance of timely and appropriate antimicrobial therapy to improve patient outcomes.
