Trinh et al reported a number of risk factors for multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa causing pneumonia in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). These can help to identify a patient who may require careful selection of antibiotics and more aggressive management. The authors are from Wayne State University and Henry Ford Health System.
Patient selection: ICU patient with Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia, excluding cystic fibrosis
Independent risk factors:
(1) >= 24 hours of antibiotic (carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, piperacillin-tazobactam) therapy in preceding 90 days
(2) nursing home residence
Other factors that may contribute:
(1) comorbid conditions
(2) Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization
(3) exposure to more than 1 class of antipseudomonal antibiotics
(4) hospitalization >= 48 hours in preceding 90 days
(5) colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(6) mechanical ventilation
