Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Outbreak in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Risk Factors for Mortality

Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the factors associated with mortality in neonates with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Material and methods: This retrospective, single-center study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Harran University Faculty of Medicine between January 2017 and July 2018 who had CRKP growth in their blood, urine or cerebrospinal fluid cultures. The discharged group was designated as the control group (Group 1), whereas the group that faced mortality was classified as the case group (Group 2). The demographic data, clinical findings and laboratory and microbiological results of the two groups were compared to identify risk factors. Results: A total of 58 patients (36 in Group 1 and 22 in Group 2) exhibited CRKP growth during the study period. Low birth weight (p = 0.039), previous antifungal (p = 0.002) or amikacin use (p = 0.040), congenital anomalies (p = 0.002), total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration (p = 0.002), surgery (p = 0.035), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.007), low platelet mass index (p = 0.011), elevated C-reactive protein (p = 0.004), high carbapenem minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (p = 0.029) and high amikacin MIC (p = 0.019) were associated with mortality. In a multivariate regression analysis, previous antifungal use (p = 0.028), congenital anomalies (p = 0.032) and TPN use (p = 0.013) were independent factors in predicting mortality. Conclusion: Previous antifungal use, congenital anomalies and TPN use were found to be independent risk factors for mortality in neonates with CRKP infection.