Association of multidrug-resistant bacteria and clinical outcomes in patients with infected diabetic foot in a Peruvian Hospital: A retrospective cohort analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) and adverse clinical outcomes in patients with infected diabetic foot (IDF) in a Peruvian hospital. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study evaluated patients treated in the Diabetic Foot Unit of a General Hospital in Lima, Peru. MDRB was based on resistance to more than two pharmacological groups across six clinically significant genera. The primary outcome was death due to complications of the IDF and/or major amputation. Other outcomes included minor amputation, hospitalization, and a hospital stay longer than 14 days. Relative risks were estimated using Poisson regression for all outcomes. ResultsThe study included 192 IDF patients with a mean age of 59.9 years; 74% were males. A total of 80.8% exhibited MDRB. The primary outcome had an incidence rate of 23.2% and 5.4% in patients with and without MDRB, respectively (p = 0.01). After adjusting for sex, age, bone involvement, severe infection, ischemia, diabetes duration, and glycosylated hemoglobin, MDRB showed no association with the primary outcome (RR 3.29; 95% CI, 0.77 - 13.9), but did with hospitalization longer than 14 days (RR 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04 - 1.98). ConclusionsOur study found no association between MDRB and increased mortality and/or major amputation but did find a correlation with prolonged hospitalization. The high proportion of MDRB could limit the demonstration of the relationship. It is urgent to apply continuous evaluation of bacterial resistance, implement a rational plan for antibiotic use, and maintain biosafety to confront this threat.