Determination of independent risk factors for early healthcare-associated infections acquired after acute stroke admission: A multi-centre registry-based cohort study

Objective
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in patients admitted with acute conditions pose a serious risk to patients and a major challenge to healthcare services. However, there is a lack of consistency in reporting aetiological risk factors, particularly in acute stroke patients. Here, we determined independent risk factors of two common HCAIs (urinary tract infection and pneumonia) acquired within 7-days of admission after an acute stroke.
Methods
Data were prospectively collected (2014–2016) from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme for 3,309 patients (mean age=76.2yr, SD=13.5) admitted to four UK hyperacute stroke units. Associations between variables were assessed by forward stepwise multivariable logistic regression (odds ratios, 95 % confidence intervals).
Results
The rate of urinary tract infection and/or pneumonia occurring within 7-days of admission was 15.0 %. The risk of urinary tract infection and/or pneumonia was increased amongst women: OR = 1.35 (1.08–1.68); patients from ethnic minority backgrounds: OR = 1.77 (1.01–3.10); patients aged 70–79 years: OR = 2.08 (1.42–3.06), and ≥80 years: OR = 3.20 (2.26–4.55); history of hypertension: OR = 1.59 (1.27–1.98); history of atrial fibrillation: OR = 1.67 (1.32–2.12); pre-stroke disability: OR = 2.08 (1.44–3.00); intracranial haemorrhage: OR = 1.41 (1.07–1.86); severe stroke: OR = 3.21 (2.32–4.45); swallow screening within 4–72 h: OR = 1.42 (1.08–1.86); swallow screening beyond 72 h: OR = 1.70 (1.08–2.70). History of congestive heart failure, diabetes and previous stroke did not significantly associate with HCAIs.
Conclusions
A profile of independent risk factors for two common HCAIs in acute stroke was identified. These findings provide valuable information for timely intervention to reduce HCAIs, and the ability to minimise subsequent adverse outcomes.