P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection (BSI) is associated with high hospital mortality. Empirical combination therapy is commonly used, but its benefit remains debated. The purpose of this study was to describe in a paediatric population, demographical characteristics and outcome of children treated for P. aeruginosa BSI receiving either a combined or single antibacterial therapy. We performed a retrospective, single-centre, cohort study of hospitalized children with P. aeruginosa BSI from 2007 to 2015. A total of 118 bloodstream infections (BSI) were analysed (102 (86.4%) hospital-acquired, including 52 (44.1%) hospitalized in intensive care unit). In immunocompromised children, 52% of BSI episodes were recorded. Recent medical history revealed that 68% were hospitalized, 31% underwent surgery and 67% had a prior antibiotic therapy within the last 3 months. In-hospital mortality was similar for patients receiving single or combined anti-Pseudomonas therapy (p = 0.78). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality were neutropenia (OR = 6.23 [1.94-20.01], hospitalization in ICU (OR = 5.24 [2.04-13.49]) and urinary tract infection (OR = 4.40 [1.02-19.25]).Conclusion: P. aeruginosa BSI mainly occurred in immunocompromised children. Most infections were hospital-acquired and associated with high mortality. Combination therapy did not improve survival. What is Known: • P. aeruginosa bloodstream infection (BSI) is associated with high hospital mortality. Empirical combination therapy is commonly used but its benefit remains debated. What is New: • This is the largest cohort of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia in children ever published. P. aeruginosa Bloodstream mainly occurred in immunocompromised children. Most infections were hospital-acquired and associated with high mortality. Combination therapy did not improve survival.
Keywords: Bloodstream infections; Combination therapy; Immunocompromised; Mortality; Pseudomonas aeruginosa.