Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

authors:

avatar Xiaohua Shi ORCID 1 , avatar Li Qian ORCID 2 , *

Department of Infectious Diseases, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210019, Jiangsu Province, China
Department of Neonates, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu Province, China

how to cite: Shi X, Qian L. Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Mortality in Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections. Jundishapur J Microbiol. 2024;17(3):e141878. https://doi.org/10.5812/jjm-141878.

Abstract

Background:

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is commonly found in human intestinal and respiratory tracts.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality in children suffering from carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP)-induced bloodstream infections.

Methods:

We collected clinical data from 160 children diagnosed with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections. These children were divided into two groups based on their outcomes 30 days post-infection: A death group (n = 61) and a survival group (n = 99). Clinical symptoms and outcomes were meticulously documented.

Results:

The death group experienced a significantly shorter hospital stay than the survival group. Additionally, higher incidence rates of sepsis, malignant tumors, renal diseases, infectious shock, surgical site infections, higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, and elevated procalcitonin levels were observed in the death group (P < 0.05). These factors were all identified as independent risk factors for mortality among children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections (P < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the length of hospital stay, presence of malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, APACHE II score, procalcitonin levels, infectious shock, and surgical site infections all exceeded 0.700, indicating their high predictive value for mortality.

Conclusions:

The mortality rate among children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections is high. Factors such as a brief hospital stay, presence of malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, infectious shock, elevated APACHE II score, and high procalcitonin levels significantly contribute to the risk of death.

1. Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP), commonly found in the intestinal and respiratory tracts, is a prevalent gram-negative bacillus that can lead to urinary tract, respiratory tract, and bloodstream infections (1). Bloodstream infections are particularly concerning due to their high incidence and mortality rates, often exacerbated by invasive diagnostic and treatment methods used clinically (2). Klebsiella pneumoniae, a major causative agent of bloodstream infections, can lead to infectious shock if not promptly and effectively treated (3, 4). Although typically treated with potent antibiotics like carbapenems, KP has increasingly become resistant to many drugs due to the extensive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (5). This resistance, especially to carbapenems carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP), restricts treatment options and complicates management (6). Therefore, understanding the clinical features of CRKP-induced bloodstream infections is crucial for improving outcomes and treatment success rates. While research on CRKP-induced bloodstream infections predominantly involves adults (7), there is a significant need to explore these aspects in children.

2. Objectives

This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for mortality in children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections using a multivariate logistic regression model, and to discuss their clinical characteristics to aid in better control, early diagnosis, and treatment.

3. Methods

3.1. General Data

We collected clinical data from 160 children treated for CRKP-induced bloodstream infections in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2023. The cohort included 76 boys and 84 girls, averaging an age of 9.16 ± 6.13 years. The death group (n = 61) consisted of 29 boys and 32 girls, averaging 9.78 ± 8.45 years old, with a BMI of 16.18 ± 2.54 kg/m2, and a hospital stay of 22.45 ± 4.89 days. The survival group included 47 boys and 52 girls, averaging 8.46 ± 8.33 years old, with a BMI of 16.45 ± 2.87 kg/m2, and a hospital stay of 39.74 ± 6.84 days.

3.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion criteria were: (1) children meeting the diagnostic criteria for bloodstream infections (8), (2) those identified with CRKP as defined by the CDC Guidelines for the Control of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (9, 10), and (3) those with at least one positive blood culture result after admission. Exclusion criteria included: (1) Children admitted for less than 24 hours, (2) those with poor compliance, or (3) those with incomplete clinical data.

Determination criteria for death in children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections and grouping methods. All children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections in our hospital received 20 mg/kg of meropenem intravenously, diluted in 10 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection (Sinopharm Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China), administered every 8 hours. Based on outcomes 30 days post-infection, patients were categorized into a death group or a survival group, with death serving as the endpoint event.

3.3. Clinical Data Collection

3.3.1. Baseline Data

We recorded gender, age, BMI, length of hospital stay, whether the child was an only child, place of residence, primary caregiver, and complications (such as sepsis, malignant tumors, renal, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases) using the hospital's medical record system.

3.3.2. Laboratory Indicators

We collected 5 mL of fasting venous blood from each child, which was then centrifuged to obtain serum. The levels of platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells, red blood cells, and procalcitonin were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer (Olympus, Japan).

3.3.3. Scale Evaluation

The severity of the children's conditions was assessed using the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score, which totals 71 points, with higher scores indicating more severe conditions.

3.3.4. Bloodstream Infections

These were categorized into lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, and abdominal infection based on the infection site.

3.4. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

Blood cultures from 160 CRKP strains were conducted, followed by strain identification using a microbial identification time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Xiamen microTyper, China). Antimicrobial susceptibility results were obtained using the Phoenix-100 bacterial identifier (BD, USA) and interpreted according to the NCCLS Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (11).

3.5. Statistical Analysis

Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Inc., USA). Measurement data normality was assessed. Normally distributed data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (x- ± s) and analyzed using the independent samples t-test. Categorical data were expressed as percentages [n (%)] and analyzed using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore independent risk factors for mortality in children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were calculated to evaluate the predictive value of these risk factors for mortality.

4. Results

4.1. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Results of 160 Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the strains were highly resistant to aztreonam, ceftriaxone, ampicillin-sulbactam, ampicillin, meropenem, imipenem, cefoperazone-sulbactam, piperacillin-tazobactam, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. However, they showed high sensitivity to ceftazidime-avibactam and polymyxin B (Table 1).

Table 1.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing Results of 160 Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains a

Antimicrobial DrugNumber of StrainsSensitiveIntermediateResistant
Aztreonam1478 (5.44)0 (0.00)139 (94.56)
Ceftriaxone1600 (0.00)0 (0.00)160 (100.00)
Ampicillin-sulbactam1600 (0.00)0 (0.00)160 (100.00)
Ampicillin1600 (0.00)0 (0.00)160 (100.00)
Meropenem1197 (5.88)0 (0.00)112 (94.12)
Imipenem16010 (6.25)0 (0.00)150 (93.75)
Cefoperazone-sulbactam1386 (4.35)2 (1.45)130 (94.20)
Piperacillin-tazobactam16010 (6.25)7 (4.38)143 (89.38)
Amikacin16059 (36.88)0 (0.00)101 (63.12)
Gentamicin16029 (18.13)5 (3.13)126 (78.75)
Tobramycin16028 (17.50)14 (8.75)118 (73.75)
Ceftazidime-avibactam3535 (100.00)0 (0.00)0 (0.00)
Polymyxin B5350 (94.34)1 (1.87)2 (3.77)
Fosfomycin989 (9.18)12 (12.24)77 (78.57)
Minocycline120102 (85.00)10 (8.33)8 (6.67)
Tigecycline122118 (96.72)2 (1.64)2 (1.64)
Compound sulfamethoxazole16086 (53.75)0 (0.00)74 (46.25)
Levofloxacin16012 (7.50)10 (6.25)138 (86.25)
Ciprofloxacin1608 (5.00)9 (5.63)143 (89.37)

4.2. Clinical Symptoms of Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

The predominant clinical symptoms in children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections included fever, chills, fatigue, dizziness, dyspnea, mental status changes, and cough. Fever and dizziness were the most common symptoms (Table 2).

Table 2.

Clinical Symptoms of Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections a

Clinical SymptomsValues
Fever123 (76.88)
Chills98 (61.25)
Fatigue81 (50.63)
Dizziness135 (84.38)
Dyspnea64 (40.00)
Change in mental status79 (49.38)
Cough58 (36.25)

4.3. Outcomes of Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

Out of 160 children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections treated at our hospital, 99 survived, representing 61.87% of the cases. The remaining 61 children died, accounting for 38.13%.

4.4. Clinical Data of Survival and Death Groups

The analysis of clinical data between the survival and death groups showed no significant differences in gender, age, BMI, only child status, usual residence, primary caregiver, cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, platelets, hemoglobin, white blood cells, red blood cells, lower respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and abdominal infection (P > 0.05). However, the death group had a shorter hospital stay and higher incidence rates of sepsis, malignant tumors, renal diseases, infectious shock, surgical site infection, APACHE II scores, and procalcitonin levels compared to the survival group (P < 0.05) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Clinical Data of Survival and Death Groups a

Parameter Death Group (n = 61)Survival Group (n = 99)Statistical ValueP-Value
Gender0.0030.959
Male29 (47.54)47 (47.47)
Female32 (52.46)52 (52.53)
Age (x- ± s, y)9.78 ± 8.458.46 ± 8.330.9680.334
BMI (x- ± s, kg/m2)16.18 ± 2.5416.45 ± 2.870.6030.547
Length of hospital stay22.45 ± 4.8939.74 ± 6.8416.5540.000
Only child0.8500.357
Yes22 (36.07)43 (43.43)
No39 (63.93)56 (56.57)
Place of usual residence0.5720.450
Rural21 (34.43)40 (40.40)
Urban40 (65.57)59 (59.60)
Primary caregiver1.9610.161
Relatives47 (77.05)66 (66.67)
Others14 (22.95)33 (33.33)
Sepsis5.7950.016
Yes13 (21.31)8 (8.08)
No48 (78.69)91 (91.92)
Malignant tumors11.1160.001
Yes43 (70.49)43 (43.43)
No18 (29.51)56 (56.57)
Renal diseases16.8600.000
Yes40 (65.57)32 (32.32)
No21 (34.43)67 (67.68)
Cardiovascular diseases0.0140.908
Yes32 (52.46)51 (51.52)
No29 (47.54)48 (48.48)
Cerebrovascular diseases1.3740.241
Yes15 (24.59)33 (33.33)
No46 (75.41)66 (66.67)
Platelets (x- ± s, 109/L)210.47 ± 31.86220.49 ± 42.581.5240.130
Hemoglobin (x- ± s, g/L)134.82 ± 12.71139.12 ± 13.891.8920.060
White blood cells (x- ± s, 1012/L)7.16 ± 3.147.30 ± 3.660.2390.812
Red blood cells (x- ± s, 109/L)4.61 ± 1.504.48 ± 1.460.5180.605
Procalcitonin (x- ± s, μg/L)29.87 ± 7.5619.81 ± 9.037.0000.000
Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score23.19 ± 5.6116.75 ± 5.137.1800.000
Infectious shock10.6780.001
Yes39 (63.93)37 (37.37)
No22 (36.07)62 (62.63)
Lower respiratory tract infection0.0290.864
Yes23 (37.70)36 (36.36)
No38 (62.30)63 (63.64)
Urinary tract infection0.1630.686
Yes26 (42.62)39 (39.39)
No35 (57.38)60 (60.61)
Surgical site infection6.3490.012
Yes39 (63.93)43 (43.43)
No22 (36.07)56 (56.57)
Abdominal infection0.0140.905
Yes21 (34.43)35 (35.35)
No40 (65.57)64 (64.65)

4.5. Results of Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis of Risk Factors for Death in Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

Logistic regression analysis used the mortality of children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections as the dependent variable (death group = 1, survival group = 0), with significant clinical indicators (hospital stay length, malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, APACHE II score, procalcitonin, infectious shock, surgical site infection) as independent variables. These variables are detailed in Table 4. The analysis identified that hospital stay length, malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, APACHE II score, procalcitonin, and infectious shock were independent risk factors for mortality (P < 0.05) (Table 5 and Figure 1).

Table 4.

Assignment of Variables

VariablesMeaningAssignment
X1Length of hospital stayContinuous variable
X2Malignant tumorsYes = 1, No = 0
X3SepsisYes = 1, No = 0
X4Renal diseasesYes = 1, No = 0
X5Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II scoreContinuous variable
X6ProcalcitoninContinuous variable
X7Infectious shockYes = 1, No = 0
X8Surgical site infectionYes = 1, No = 0
YDeath of children with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae -induced bloodstream infectionsDeath = 1, Survival = 0
Forest plot of clinical symptoms based on multivariate logistic regression analysis
Forest plot of clinical symptoms based on multivariate logistic regression analysis
Table 5.

Results of Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis of Risk Factors for Death of Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

ItemBStandard ErrorWaldP-ValueOR95% Confidence Interval
Length of hospital stay-0.4470.08328.8070.0000.5640.328 - 0.841
Malignant tumors1.9560.7926.0900.0147.0691.495 - 33.414
Sepsis1.0410.8011.6890.0101.3531.073 - 1.698
Renal diseases2.2890.7898.4130.0049.8672.101 - 46.340
Acute physiology and chronic health evaluationn II score0.2260.04921.5580.0001.2541.140 - 1.380
Procalcitonin0.1270.02820.8980.0001.1351.075 - 1.199
Infectious shock1.0200.3508.5020.0042.7731.397 - 5.504
Surgical site infection0.8450.3485.8920.0152.3271.177 - 4.601

4.6. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves for Factors Affecting Mortality in Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive value of various clinical indicators for mortality in children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections, with the death of children as the dependent variable (death group = 1, survival group = 0). The significant clinical indicators included the length of hospital stay, malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, APACHE II score, procalcitonin, infectious shock, and surgical site infection. The areas under the ROC curves (AUC) for these indicators were all greater than 0.700, demonstrating their strong predictive value for mortality (Table 6 and Figure 2).

Table 6.

Results of Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Analysis of Factors Influencing Death of Children with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae-Induced Bloodstream Infections

Parameter AUCCut-off Value95% CIP-ValueSpecificitySensitivityYouden Index
Length of hospital stay0.95729.5000.927 - 0.9880.0000.8390.9150.754
Malignant tumors0.7601.5000.681 - 0.8400.0000.8390.6810.520
Sepsis0.7121.5000.627 - 0.7970.0000.7860.6380.424
Renal diseases0.7961.5000.723 - 0.8690.0000.9110.6810.592
Acute physiology and chronic health evaluationn II score0.81119.3750.737 - 0.8840.0000.6600.7860.446
Procalcitonin0.79622.3450.722 - 0.8690.0000.4790.7680.247
Infectious shock0.7231.5000.638 - 0.8070.0000.7860.6600.426
Surgical site infection0.7401.5000.657 - 0.8240.0000.7680.7130.481
Receiver operating characteristic curves of factors influencing death of children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections
Receiver operating characteristic curves of factors influencing death of children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections

5. Discussion

Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae is increasingly prevalent, with resistance rates to many effective antibiotics exceeding 40%, complicating treatment and increasing mortality rates from CRKP-induced bloodstream infections (12). In this study, 61 of the 160 children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections admitted to our hospital died, representing 38.13% of cases, consistent with the noted high mortality rate. Factors such as the length of hospital stay, malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, APACHE II score, procalcitonin levels, infectious shock, and surgical site infections showed significant differences, indicating their relevance to mortality in these infections. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a longer hospital stay was a protective factor against death, while the presence of malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, infectious shock, surgical site infections, a high APACHE II score, and high procalcitonin levels were independent risk factors for mortality.

Potential reasons include the following: Prolonged hospital stays allow for close monitoring of CRKP-induced bloodstream infections, timely adjustments in the face of antibiotic resistance, and early interventions that may reduce the risk of additional infections (13). Children with malignant tumors often undergo aggressive treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgical resections that may compromise mitochondrial function and subsequently impair cell metabolism and immune responses, exacerbating their condition in the event of infections (14). Furthermore, tumors may locally infiltrate, destroying the natural defense barriers of tissues and increasing both the likelihood of infections and the risk of mortality (15).

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the resistance of septic patients to antibacterial drugs, including carbapenems, which complicates the condition of children with CRKP (16). In cases of sepsis, various pathogenic bacteria enter the bloodstream, releasing toxins and metabolites that impair hemoglobin's oxygen-transport capacity, thereby damaging organ functions and exacerbating CRKP infections (17). Additionally, children with renal diseases experience more severe conditions during bloodstream infections due to compromised detoxification functions (18). In this study, the APACHE II scores were higher in the death group than in the survival group, aligning with findings from previous literature (19).

Furthermore, procalcitonin levels are directly proportional to the severity of bacterial infections (20). This study found that procalcitonin levels were significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group, consistent with previous research. Infectious shock, a critical systemic condition, is a major cause of mortality in patients with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections. It rapidly progresses, severely impairing vital organs and causing immune function abnormalities (21). Children with surgical site infections may experience systemic inflammatory responses triggered by bacteria or inflammatory factors entering the bloodstream, leading to complications such as sepsis and septicemia, which increase treatment difficulty and mortality (22).

The results of ROC curve analysis in this study showed that the AUC values for length of hospital stay, malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, APACHE II score, procalcitonin, infectious shock, and surgical site infection were all greater than 0.700, indicating these indicators' strong predictive value for mortality in children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections.

5.1. Conclusions

The mortality rate is high among children with CRKP-induced bloodstream infections. Factors such as a short hospital stay, the presence of malignant tumors, sepsis, renal diseases, infectious shock, high APACHE II scores, and high procalcitonin levels are independent risk factors for death. These indicators can be utilized to improve prognosis as early as possible in clinical treatments.

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