Empirical treatment and mortality in bacteremia due to extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESβL-E), a retrospective cross-sectional study in a tertiary referral hospital from Colombia

Background Infections caused by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESβL) producing bacteria are common and problematic. When they cause bloodstream infections, they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in a single center in Pereira, Colombia. It included people hospitalized with bacteremia due to gram-negative bacilli with the extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotype. A logistic regression analysis was constructed. Clinical characteristics and risk factors for death from sepsis were established. Results The prevalence of bacteremia due to Enterobacterales with extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotype was 17%. 110 patients were analyzed. Most patients were men (62%) with a median age of 58 years, hospital mortality was 38%. Admission to intensive care was 45%. The following risk factors for mortality were established: shock requiring vasoactive support, Pitt score > 3 points, and not having an infectious disease consultation (IDC). Conclusions bacteremia due to Enterobacterales with extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing phenotype have a high mortality. Early recognition of sepsis, identification of risk factors for antimicrobial resistance, and prompt initiation of appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment are important. An infectious disease consultation may help improve outcomes.