Risk factors contributing to Bacteraemia at a Tertiary Cancer Center in South Asia

ContextCancer patients are immunocompromised due to their medical condition resulting in neutropenia, increased exposure to intravascular devices (IVDs) and prolonged hospital stays. These conditions are established risk factors in causing bacteraemia. Bateraemia is a contributing factor towards increased rates of morbidity and mortality in several countries including Sri Lanka.\n\nAimsThe current study evaluates the risk factors such as demographic factors, neutrophil counts, presence of an IVD and length of hospitalization that would contribute to the development of bacteraemia among cancer patients at the Apeksha Hospital - Maharagama, Sri Lanka.\n\nResultsA higher prevalence of bacteraemia compared to other countries (13.7%) was reported with the highest frequency identified from oncology wards. Patients above 60 years with carcinomas were revealed to be more susceptible. A length of hospital stay exceeding three days was a statistically significant factor in causing bacteraemia. Gram-negative organisms accounted for majority of the infections while Acinetobacter species were more frequently isolated from IVDs.\n\nConclusionsIt could be suggested that additional care and sterility measures be taken when carrying out invasive procedures in such patients. Precautions could be taken in managing patients with a hospital stay exceeding 3 days as they have been identified as a risk group in acquiring nosocomial infections