Infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ventricular assist devices (VAD). The impact of colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) on outcomes in this cohort is unknown. Patients on VAD support from July 2008 to September 2018 at a single site were evaluated for MDRO colonization after implantation. MDROs included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus , vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus species, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing gram-negative bacteria. 378 patients with 433 VADs were included. 42.6% (n = 161) of patients were colonized with an MDRO throughout the duration of VAD support. Eighty-two VAD infections occurred, 74.4% (n = 61) of whom were MDRO colonized before infection. MDRO colonization was associated with an increased risk of a subsequent VAD infection (hazard ratio 3.704, p < 0.001). MDRO colonization is common after VAD implantation and is associated with future VAD infections. Further study is needed to determine best management strategies for VAD recipients with MDRO colonization given this increased risk.
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