Evaluation of a triple-lumen central venous heparin-coated catheter versus a catheter coated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine in critically ill patients

Objective To compare the incidence of catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infections between heparin-coated catheters and those coated with a synergistic combination of chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine.Design Randomized, controlled clinical trial.Setting A 20-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit.Patients A total of 180 patients requiring the insertion of a trilumen central venous catheter.Interventions Patients were randomized to receive either a trilumen heparin or chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine-coated catheter.Measurements Catheter colonization was defined by a semiquantitative catheter tip culture yielding 15 or more colony-forming units or quantitative culture of 1,000 or more colony-forming units/ml. Catheter-related bloodstream infection as the isolation of the same microorganism from a peripheral blood culture and catheter tip.Results A total of 260 catheters were cultured. Out of 132 heparin-coated catheters, 29 were colonized and out of 128 chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine- coated catheters, 13 were colonized (p=0.03), relative risk RR=2.16 (1.18–3.97). This represents an incidence of 23.5 and 11.5 episodes of catheter colonization per 1,000 catheter-days, respectively (p=0.0059), RR=2.04 (1.05–3.84). Microorganisms isolated in catheter colonization from heparin-coated catheters were gram-positive cocci 23, gram-negative bacilli 7, and Candida spp 4. In chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine-coated catheters were gram-positive cocci 6 and gram-negative bacilli 11 (p=0.009). The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections per 1,000 catheter-days was 3.24 in heparin-coated catheters and 2.6 in chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine-coated catheters (p=0.79), RR=1.22 (0.27–5.43).Conclusions In critically ill patients the use of trilumen central venous catheters coated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine reduced the risk of catheter colonization due to prevention of gram-positive cocci and Candida spp.Presented in part as an abstract (K-1426) at the 41st Annual ICAAC, Chicago, December 2001.     

Indwelling time and risk of infection of dialysis catheters in critically ill cancer patients

Objective Despite the lack of evidence to support routine scheduled replacement of dialysis catheters (DCs) this practice continues to be widely used in many intensive care units (ICUs). This study evaluated whether additional risks of catheter-related infection (CRI) are incurred with a conservative attitude in critically ill cancer patients.Design and setting Prospective, observational study over a 14-month period in a 15-bed medicosurgical unit in a comprehensive cancer center.Patients Seventy-nine double-lumen DCs were evaluated in 47 patients. Incidence rates of infection per 1000 days of catheter use were examined over 7-day periods.Measurements and results The mean indwelling time was 6.9±5.5 days. Twelve DCs (15.2%) were removed for suspected CRI. Catheter-tip cultures remained negative in 74 cases (93.7%). Overall, one bacteremic CRI, two colonization episodes, and two contaminations were diagnosed, leading to DC colonization and DC-related bacteremia incidence rates of, respectively, 5.4 and 1.8 per 1000 days. When the catheter colonization rate was examined at 7-day intervals, the incidence rate was similar whatever the indwelling time: 5.8, 4.8, and 6.0 per 1000 days, respectively, for the 49 catheters left in place for 7 days or less, 8–14 days (21 DCs), and more than 14 days (9 DCs). The DC colonization incidence rate was similar to that of the 42 short-term catheters inserted during the same period in the same patients (5.9 per 1000 days).Conclusions The stable low risk for DC-related infections over time does not support the rationale for scheduled replacement, even in immunocompromised cancer patients.     

血液透析患者导管相关血流感染菌群分布及危险因素分析

目的 探讨血液透析患者导管相关血流感染的菌群分布及相关危险因素.方法 回顾性分析天津市宝坻区人民医院2008～2011年以中心静脉置管建立血管通路进行血液透析的患者219例,分析导管相关血流感染的发生率,病原菌分布及相关危险因素.结果 在21 9例行中心静脉置管患者中,发生导管相关血流感染34例,占15.52％,病原菌分布以革兰氏阳性菌为主,占感染总数的61.76％,其中表皮葡萄球菌13株,占38.23％,金黄色葡萄球菌5株,占14.70％,股静脉插管的感染率并不显著高于颈内静脉插管（x2=0.914,P=0.339）;导管留置时间与导管相关性血流感染呈正相关（x2=13.350,P=0.001）;与基础疾病无明显相关性（x2=0.284,P=0.991）.结论 导管相关血流感染病原菌分布以革兰氏阳性菌为主,发生导管相关血流感染的危险因素与导管留置时间有关.     

Sepsis associated with central vein catheters in critically ill patients

In 440 critically ill patients, the association between different central vein catheter insertion sites, the duration of catheter insertion and catheter-associated sepsis was examined. Of 780 catheter tips studied, 19% were colonized by microorganisms. The incidence of colonization varied with the different insertion sites. The lowest percentage of colonized catheters occurred with catheters inserted via the subclavian vein (15%) and the highest, at the femoral vein insertion site (34%,p<0.01). The percentage of catheters colonized increased as the duration of insertion increased, at all insertion sites studied. Catheter colonization was closely related to the development of bacteraemia and was associated with approximately 10% of colonized catheters. Our results suggest that the subclavian site is associated with the lowest infective complication rate. To minimize catheter associated sepsis, catheters at all insertion sites should be used with parsimony and only kept in place for the minimum amount of time that their continuing use is necessary.     

Development of subsequent bloodstream infection in patients with positive Hickman catheter blood cultures and negative peripheral blood cultures

There are limited data on the incidence of subsequent bloodstream infection (BSI) and the effect of systemic antibiotics in patients who had positive catheter-drawn blood cultures (CBC) and negative peripheral blood cultures (PBC). We retrospectively reviewed all paired blood cultures from patients with Hickman catheter in the hematology-oncology ward between January 1997 and December 2008. There were 112 episodes with positive CBC and negative PBC. Nine episodes (8.0%; 95% CI, 3.0-13.1%) led to subsequent BSI within 28 days. Subsequent BSI developed in 6 of 31 episodes (19%) where empiric antibiotics were inappropriate but in 3 of 81 episodes (4%) where empiric antibiotics were appropriate (P = 0.01). Subsequent candidemia (50%, 2 of 4) was more common than subsequent bacteremia (6%, 7 of 108) (P = 0.03). In conclusion, for patients with positive CBC and negative PBC, the overall incidence of subsequent BSI was 8.0%, and inappropriate empiric antibiotics was associated with subsequent BSI.     

Monitoring of central venous oxygen saturation versus mixed venous oxygen saturation in critically ill patients

Continous monitoring of mixed venous (SvO₂) and central venous (ScO₂) oxygen saturation was compared in 7 critically-ill patients (Apache II score: 19±2.1) to determine whether or not information derived from ScO₂ were reliable in clinical practice. Patients were catheterized with both a pulmonary artery (PA) and a central venous (CV) catheter, each of them mounted with fiberoptic sensors (Opticath PA Catheter P7110 and Opticath CV Catheter U440, Abbott). A total of 580 comparative measurements were obtained during periods without and with therapeutic interventions (drug-titration, bronchial suction, use of PEEP, changes in FiO₂...). The systematic error between the 2 measurement techniques was 0.6% and 0.3% in periods with and without therapeutic interventions, respectively. The variability between the 2 techniques was 10% for both periods. Differences between the values were 5% in 49% of values during periods of stability and in 50% of values during periods with therapeutic interventions. There were poor correlations between the values during periods without (r=0.48) and with therapeutic interventions (r=0.62). Better, but still less than ideal, correlations were obtained with changes in SvO₂ and ScO₂ during periods without (r=0.70) and with therapeutic interventions (r=0.77). Although there is a need to develop a simple technique to monitor mixed venous oxygen saturation, the present study indicates that ScO₂ monitoring was not reliable in the study patients.     

The possibilities and dangers of longterm infusion therapy in severely ill newborn and premature infants

Summary The development of pediatric intensive medicine in the past 10 years has today made it possible to carry out specific longterm infusion therapy even in severely ill newborn and premature infants. The present study discusses the various technical possibilities and indications for the introduction of a caval catheter in newborn and premature infants. Although we only used a caval catheter for longterm parenteral nutrition in 9 newborn infants from 1965 to 1969, improved techniques have enabled us over the past 2 years to choose this method in 43 newborn and premature infants presenting with a wide variety of clinical conditions. We conclude that the use of caval catheters still requires a very strong indication.     

Central line-associated bloodstream infection: is the hospital epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus relevant?

We aimed to evaluate the risk factors, including the hospital epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for central venous line-associated and laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (CLA-BSI and LC-BSI, respectively). The risk factors examined included the age and sex of patients, whether or not they were in the surgery service, the number of days of central line (CL) placement, the monthly number of inpatients and those positive for MRSA, and whether the standard or maximal barrier precautions were observed at CL insertion. As the outcome factors, we selected CLA-BSI and LC-BSI, while precluding repeated isolation within 28 days. Of a total of 22 723 device days in 927 patients with CL placement, we observed 81 CLA-BSIs and 40 LC-BSIs, rates of 3.56 and 1.76 (/1000 device-days), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed a single significant factor, CL placement of more than 30 days, with odds ratios of 3.038 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.733–5.326; P < 0.001] for CLA-BSI and 3.227 (95% CI 1.427–7.299; P = 0.005) for LC-BSI. Both BSIs included MRSA in seven events without temporal clusters. We conclude that the factor of long CL placement outweighs other risk factors, including the hospital epidemiology of MRSA.     

Subclavian vein catheterization in critically ill children: Analysis of 322 cannulations

Complications in 322 percutaneous subclavian vein catheters placed in 272 children by the infraclavicular approach were investigated prospectively. Ages ranged from 4 days to 15 years. Incidents during catheter introduction occurred in 13 cases, and were more common when insertion was on the right side (p<0.01). Nine (2.8%) required urgent treatment: (6 pneumothorax, 1 hydrothorax, and 2 hemothorax). Anomalous lodging of the catheter tip was more common when insertion was on the right side (p<0.05). Complications during catheter maintenance were 3 venous thromboses, 3 catheter obstructions, and 7 migrations out of position. There was no significant difference in complications related to age. Catheter cultures were positive in 33 (17%) of 190 catheters cultured (27 through colonization and 6 through catheter-related sepsis).Staph. epidermidis was the organism most frequently isolated (19 cases; 58%). Catheterization time of more than 5 days and catheter-related sepsis were statistically associated (p<0.05).Staph. epidermidis isolation and duration of cannula use were statistically related (p<0.01). No catheter-related deaths occurred. We conclude that subclavian vein catheterization is a simple and useful procedure that entails relatively few serious complications when performed by experienced pediatricians.     

Indwelling time and risk of colonization of peripheral arterial catheters in critically ill patients

Objective  Despite the lack of evidence to support routine scheduled replacement of peripheral arterial catheters this practice continues to be widely used in many intensive care units (ICU). This study evaluated whether additional risks of catheter colonization are incurred with a conservative attitude in severely ill patients. Design and setting  Observational study over a 18-month period in a 15-bed surgical ICU of a 1,000-bed French university-affiliated hospital. Catheters  A total of 295 peripheral arterial catheters were inserted in 295 patients. Measurements and main results  Hazard rates of catheters colonization (defined as quantitative culture of a catheter tip showing at least one microorganism at a concentration of 1,000 or more colony-forming units per milliliter) according to indwelling time were determined over 5-day periods by survival analysis. The mean indwelling time was 8 ± 6 days (median 6 days). Overall, 47 (16%) colonization episodes were diagnosed, leading to catheter colonization incidence density of 19.9 per 1,000 catheter-days. Risk factors for catheters colonization increase in proportion to the duration of catheter use. Hazard rates of catheter colonization were 1.0, 1.9, 3.5, 7.0, 6.0 and 5.7%, for the 111 arterial catheters left in place for 4 days or less, 5–9 days (87 catheters), 10–14 days (55 catheters), 15–19 days (27 catheters), 20–24 days (10 catheters) and more than 24 days (5 catheters). Conclusions  Systematic replacement of peripheral arterial catheters might be useful in preventing catheter-related colonization, especially after 2 weeks of use.     

Hypernatremia in critically ill patients

Hypernatremia is common in intensive care units. It has detrimental effects on various physiologic functions and was shown to be an independent risk factor for increased mortality in critically ill patients. Mechanisms of hypernatremia include sodium gain and/or loss of free water and can be discriminated by clinical assessment and urine electrolyte analysis. Because many critically ill patients have impaired levels of consciousness, their water balance can no longer be regulated by thirst and water uptake but is managed by the physician. Therefore, the intensivists should be very careful to provide the adequate sodium and water balance for them. Hypernatremia is treated by the administration of free water and/or diuretics, which promote renal excretion of sodium. The rate of correction is critical and must be adjusted to the rapidity of the development of hypernatremia.     

基于循证医学的综合护理预防外科住院患者导管相关性血行感染的效果

目的 评价实施基于循证医学的临床护理方案对降低外科住院患者导管相关性血行感染（CRBSI）的作用.方法 将本院普外科病房留置中心静脉导管进行治疗的患者随机分为常规护理组和加强护理组.每组患者根据导管留置时间分为短期置管组（导管留置时间≤28 d）和长期置管组（导管留置时间＞28 d）两个亚组.对于加强护理组患者,根据中华医学会和欧洲肠外肠内营养学会指南的推荐意见,修订了以＂加强无菌隔离和消毒技术＂为中心的中心静脉导管临床护理方案.对于常规护理组患者根据现行护理常规进行护理.分别比较两组患者导管留置及CRBSI发生情况.结果 在常规护理组中,长期置管患者CRBSI发生率较短期置管患者轻度增高（6.37 vs.5.77/千导管留置日）,其增高幅度为10.40%;在加强护理组中,长期置管患者CRBSI发生率较短期置管患者显著增高（5.18 vs.2.48/千导管留置日）,其增高幅度为108.87%.与常规护理组的短期置管患者相比,加强护理组的短期置管患者CRBSI发生率明显降低（5.77 vs.2.48/千导管留置日）,其下降幅度约为57.02%,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;而与常规护理组的长期置管患者相比,加强护理组的长期置管患者CRBSI发生率轻度降低（6.37 vs.5.18/千导管留置日）,其下降幅度约为18.68%,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）.结论 基于循证医学的以＂加强无菌隔离和消毒技术＂为中心的中心静脉导管综合护理方案可以降低短期留置深静脉导管患者CRBSI的发生率,但并不能降低导管留置时间超过28 d患者的CRBSI的发生率.     

Risk factors and prognosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection in critically ill patients: a multicenter study

Objective  To assess the risk factors associated with CR-BSI development in critically ill patients with non-tunneled, non-cuffed central venous catheters (CVC) and the prognosis of the episodes of CR-BSI. Design and setting; prospective, observational, multicenter study in nine Spanish Hospitals. Patients  All subjects admitted to the participating ICUs from October 2004 to June 2005 with a CVC. Interventions  None. Measurement and results  Overall, 1,366 patients were enrolled and 2,101 catheters were analyzed. Sixty-six episodes of CR-BSI were diagnosed. The incidence of CR-BSI was significantly higher in CVC compared with peripherically inserted central venous catheters (PICVC) without significant differences among the three locations of CVC. In the multivariate analysis, duration of catheterization and change over a guidewire were the independent variables associated with the development of CR-BSI whereas the use of a PICVC was a protective factor. Excluding PICVC, 1,598 conventional CVC were analyzed. In this subset, duration of catheterization, tracheostomy and change over a guidewire were independent risk factors for CR-BSI. A multivariate analysis of predictors for mortality among 66 patients with CRSI showed that early removal of the catheter was a protective factor and APACHE II score at the admission was a strong determinant of in-hospital mortality. Conclusions  Peripherically inserted central venous catheters is associated with a lower incidence of CR-BSI in critically ill patients. Exchange over a guidewire of CVC and duration of catheterization are strong contributors to CR-BSI. Our results reinforce the importance of early catheter removal in critically ill patients with CR-BSI. Supported by Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Network for the Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI C03/14) and Spanish Network for the Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI RD06/0008).     

Focus on peripherally inserted central catheters in critically ill patients

Venous access devices are of pivotal importance for an increasing number of critically ill patients in a variety of disease states and in a variety of clinical settings (emergency, intensive care, surgery) and for different purposes (fluids or drugs infusions, parenteral nutrition, antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, procedures of dialysis/apheresis). However, healthcare professionals are commonly worried about the possible consequences that may result using a central venous access device (CVAD) (mainly, bloodstream infections and thrombosis), both peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs). This review aims to discuss indications, insertion techniques, and care of PICCs in critically ill patients. PICCs have many advantages over standard CICCs. First of all, their insertion is easy and safe -due to their placement into peripheral veins of the arm- and the advantage of a central location of catheter tip suitable for all osmolarity and pH solutions. Using the ultrasound-guidance for the PICC insertion, the risk of hemothorax and pneumothorax can be avoided, as well as the possibility of primary malposition is very low. PICC placement is also appropriate to avoid post-procedural hemorrhage in patients with an abnormal coagulative state who need a CVAD. Some limits previously ascribed to PICCs (i.e., low flow rates, difficult central venous pressure monitoring, lack of safety for radio-diagnostic procedures, single-lumen) have delayed their start up in the intensive care units as common practice. Though, the recent development of power-injectable PICCs overcomes these technical limitations and PICCs have started to spread in critical care settings. Two important take-home messages may be drawn from this review. First, the incidence of complications varies depending on venous accesses and healthcare professionals should be aware of the different clinical performance as well as of the different risks associated with each type of CVAD (CICCs or PICCs). Second, an inappropriate CVAD choice and, particularly, an inadequate insertion technique are relevant-and often not recognized-potential risk factors for complications in critically ill patients. We strongly believe that all healthcare professionals involved in the choice, insertion or management of CVADs in critically ill patients should know all potential risk factors of complications. This knowledge may minimize complications and guarantee longevity to the CVAD optimizing the risk/benefit ratio of CVAD insertion and use. Proper management of CVADs in critical care saves lines and lives. Much evidence from the medical literature and from the clinical practice supports our belief that, compared to CICCs, the so-called power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters are a good alternative choice in critical care.     

To reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections: Is the subclavian route better than the jugular route for central venous catheterization?

The most important targets of hospital-acquired infection control are to reduce the incidence of surgical-site, catheter-related, and ventilator-associated infections. In this report, we address previously presented infection-control strategies for central venous (CV) line catheterization, using a CV catheter-related infection surveillance system. Data concerning CV catheter insertion were collected from all facilities in our 650-bed hospital, excluding the operating and hemodialysis wards. Collected data included the insertion method, purpose, length of catheter inserted, duration of catheterization, infection rate, and complication rate. Catheter-related infection was diagnosed based on bacteriological examinations from blood cultures. The total number of catheterizations was 806 a year, and average duration of catheterization was 9.8 days. The purpose of catheterization was nutritional support in 210 cases, hemodialysis in 96 cases, cardiac support in 174 cases, and other treatments in 260 cases. In 66 cases, the purpose of CV catheter was not specified. The rate of positive cultures was 7.1%, and complications other than infection occurred in 0.5%. The main causative organisms were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 38.6%, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus epidermidis (CNS) in 33.3%, and S. aureus in 12.3% of infections. Infection rates were 3.8 per 1000 catheter-days in subclavian, 6.1 in jugular, and 15.7 in femoral vein catheterization. In high-risk departments (intensive care unit [ICU] and emergency departments) the infection rate was 5.4 for subclavian and 10.2 for jugular catheterization, whereas it was 3.6 for subclavian and 4.6 for jugular catheterization in noncritical-care departments. Considering complications such as pneumothorax, CV catheterization of the jugular vein is recommended in certain situations.     

肿瘤患者中不同中心静脉导管的临床应用及比较

目的对比两种不同中心静脉导管在肿瘤患者中的临床应用效果。方法145例肿瘤患者分为两组,使用中心静脉导管62例为A组,使用一次性无菌中心静脉导管穿刺包83例为B组,观察记录两组导管留置时间、导管相关性感染的感染率和不良反应的发生率及置管部位、操作技术、导管维护等情况。结果导管平均留置时间A组35d,B组39d,差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。导管相关性感染率A组14．52％,B组2．41％,差异有显著性（P〈0．05）。不良反应发生率A组11．29％,B组1．21％,差异显著（P〈0．05）,置管部位、操作技术、导管维护组间相比无显著区别。结论肿瘤科深静脉置管患者使用一次性无菌中心静脉导管穿刺包发生置管后导管相关性感染的感染率和不良反应的发生率低,在临床上值得推广使用。     

Hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the association of phosphate concentration with key clinical outcomes in a heterogeneous cohort of critically ill patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective observational study at a general intensive care unit (ICU) of an Australian university teaching hospital enrolling 2730 adult critically ill patients.

Results

We studied 10?504 phosphate measurements with a mean value of 1.17 mmol/L (measurements every 28.8 hours on average). Hyperphosphatemia (inorganic phosphate [iP] concentration > 1.4 mmol/L) occurred in 45% and hypophosphatemia (iP ≤ 0.6 mmol/L) in 20%. Among patients without any episodes of hyperphosphatemia, patients with at least 1 episode of hypophosphatemia had a higher ICU mortality than those without hypophosphatemia (P = .004). In addition, ICU nonsurvivors had lower minimum phosphate concentrations than did survivors (P = .009). Similar results were seen for hospital mortality. However, on multivariable logistic regression analysis, hypophosphatemia was not independently associated with ICU mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 0.86 [95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.10]; P = .24) and hospital mortality (odds ratio, 0.89 [0.73-1.07]; P = .21). Even when different cutoff points were used for hypophosphatemia (iP ≤ 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, or 0.2 mmol/L), hypophosphatemia was not an independent risk factor for ICU and hospital morality. In addition, timing of onset and duration of hypophosphatemia were not independent risk factor for ICU and hospital mortality.

Conclusions

Hypophosphatemia behaves like a general marker of illness severity and not as an independent predictor of ICU or in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients.     

Coagulation biomarkers in critically ill patients

This article discusses coagulation biomarkers in critically ill patients where coagulation abnormalities occur frequently and may have a major impact on the outcome. An adequate explanation for the cause is important, since many underlying disorders may require specific treatment and supportive therapy directed at the underlying condition. Deficiencies in platelets and coagulation factors in bleeding patients or patients at risk for bleeding can be achieved by transfusion of platelet concentrate or plasma products, respectively. Prohemostatic treatment may be beneficial in case of severe bleeding, whereas restoring physiological anticoagulant pathways may be helpful in patients with sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation.     

Outcomes of critically ill cancer patients with Acinetobacter baumannii infection

AIM: To describe the intensive care unit(ICU) outcomes of critically ill cancer patients with Acinetobacter baumannii(AB) infection.METHODS: This was an observational study that included 23 consecutive cancer patients who acquired AB infections during their stay at ICU of the National Cancer Institute of Mexico(INCan), located in Mexico City. Data collection took place between January 2011, and December 2012. Patients who had AB infections before ICU admission, and infections that occurred during the first 2 d of ICU stay were excluded. Data were obtained by reviewing the electronic health record of each patient. This investigation was approved by the Scientific and Ethics Committees at INCan. Because of its observational nature, informed consent of the patients was not required.RESULTS: Throughout the study period, a total of 494 critically ill patients with cancer were admitted to the ICU of the INCan, 23(4.6%) of whom developed AB infections. Sixteen(60.9%) of these patients had hematologic malignancies. Most frequent reasons for ICU admission were severe sepsis or septic shock(56.2%) and postoperative care(21.7%). The respiratory tract was the most frequent site of AB infection(91.3%). The most common organ dysfunction observed in our group of patients were the respiratory(100%), cardiovascular(100%), hepatic(73.9%) and renal dysfunction(65.2%). The ICU mortality of patients with 3 or less organ system dysfunctions was 11.7%(2/17) compared with 66.6%(4/6) for the group of patients with 4 or more organ system dysfunctions(P = 0.021). Multivariate analysis identified blood lactate levels(BLL) as the only variable independently associated with inICU death(OR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.04-6.43, P = 0.040). ICU and hospital mortality rates were 26.1% and 43.5%, respectively.CONCLUSION: The mortality rate in critically ill patients with both HM, and AB infections who are admitted to the ICU is high. The variable most associated with increased mortality was a BLL ≥ 2.6 mmol/L in the first day of stay in the ICU.