Blacks More Susceptible to Blood Stream Infections
A new study indicates that black patients may be more likely to develop deadly hospital-acquired bloodstream infections like sepsis, than people of other races. Not only are black patients more vulnerable to the development of such infections, but they're also more likely to die from these.
Sepsis is a common bloodstream infection that's picked up at hospitals. These usually occur as a result of central line infections when proper sterility procedures are not maintained. Central lines are used to deliver nutrients and medicines quicker to a patient. This also means that when the lines are contaminated, infections also set in much quicker. Once the infection sets in, it leads to the formation of blood clots that restrict the flow of blood to the organs. Organ failure, and ultimately death, can result.
Scientists at the University Of Pittsburgh looked at hospital discharge data from seven different states, as well as emergency department visits between 2003 and 2007 from the National Ambulatory Care Survey. They found that out of a total of 8.6 million hospitalizations during this period of time, there were more than 2.2 million infections. Of these, 17% resulted in organ failure, which is often seen as a result of sepsis infections.
The researchers noted that black patients seemed to be at a 67% percent higher risk of sepsis hospitalizations, compared to non-Hispanic whites. Among blacks, the incidence of sepsis hospitalizations was about 9.4 per 1,000 persons. For whites, it was just 5.6 for every 1,000 persons. The survey also found that black patients had an 80% higher chance of dying from such infections.
So, what is causing this disproportionate rate of deadly sepsis infections in the black population? The researchers believe that black patients have higher incidences of diabetes and chronic kidney disease, both of which contribute to the development of sepsis. Other studies have indicated that black patients are more at risk for general infections, which increases their vulnerability to sepsis.
The researchers are recommending better management of diabetes and kidney disease in black patients, as well as better infection control, to reduce their sepsis risk.
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