[Changes in epidemiological pattern of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a tertiary hospital. Experience of 5 years]

[Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection postoperatory complications and prognosis of patients with lower extremity amputations]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is associated with an increasing morbimortality when compared with other microorganisms. The aim of this study was to examine the complications and prognosis of the presence of MRSA in vascular patients with amputation of lower limbs.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We included patients who had lower extremity amputation in our department in 2004 and displayed positive surgical wounds cultures. We compared patients with MRSA positive cultures with other microrganisms. We evaluated general characteristics, operative indications, surgical wounds microbiology, reamputations, morbimortality and mean time of stay in hospital.

RESULTS

117 patients (median age 73, 68% male) underwent lower extremity amputation. 82 of them had positive cultures and MRSA were isolated in 30% cases. Two two groups were comparable and no statistical differences were found in relation to reamputation rate, morbimortality and mean time of stay in hospital.

CONCLUSION

Presence of MRSA does not represent an additional risk of reamputation or an increase of postoperative complications. Careful wound surveillance, through wound debridement and optimal administration of antibiotics must be applied to all patients, regardless of the bacterial flora.