10 Jun Staph Blood Infections Doubled in Patients on Steroids

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Jesper Smit

Jesper Smit, MD
Department of Clinical Microbiology
Aalborg University Hospital
Aalborg, Denmark

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Dr. Smit: Use of glucocorticoids have been suggested to be associated with increased risk of blood infections by Staphylococcus aureus, but the existing evidence is sparse. Therefore, we conducted a large case-control study to investigate this topic in detail.

We found that the risk of staphylococcal blood infections was more than doubled in users of systemic glucocorticoids compared with non-users and that the risk of infection escalated with increasing dose.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Dr. Smit: Glucocorticoids are useful for a wide range of medical conditions. Nevertheless, our findings emphasize the importance of carefully weighing the elevated risk of serious infection such as CA-SAB against the potential beneficial effects of glucocorticoid therapy, especially in patients with concomitant risk factors of infection.

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Dr. Smit: S. aureus blood infections are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. With detailed knowledge of risk factors for this serious condition, preventive measures may be implemented. Therefore, we plan to continue to investigate risk factors for S. aureus blood infections, including other types of medications.

MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.

Citation:

Use of Glucocorticoids and Risk of Community-AcquiredStaphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Smit, Jesper et al.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings , Volume 0 , Issue 0 ,
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.023
Published Online:June 08, 2016

Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.

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Last Updated on June 10, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD