We studied outcomes of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production in Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia. Inpatients with bacteremia caused by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., or Proteus spp. (cases) were compared with patients with bacteremia caused by non-ESBL producers (controls). Outcomes included mortality, mortality due to infection, length of stay (LOS), delay in appropriate therapy (DAT), discharge to a chronic care facility, and hospital cost. Ninety-nine cases and 99 controls were enrolled. Thirty-five percent of cases died, versus 18% of controls (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3 to 4.7; P=0.01). Thirty percent of cases died due to infection, versus 16% of controls (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.5; P=0.03). The median LOS after bacteremia for cases was 11 days (interquartile range, 5 to 21), versus 5 days for controls (interquartile range, 3 to 9) (P<0.001). DAT occurred in 66% of cases, versus 7% of controls (OR, 25.1; 95% CI, 10.5 to 60.2; P<0.001). Cases were more likely than controls to be discharged to chronic care (52% versus 21%; OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.9 to 8.3; P<0.001). The average hospital cost for cases was 65,509 Israeli shekels, versus 23,538 shekels for controls (P<0.001). After adjusting for differences between groups by using multivariable analysis, ESBL production remained a significant predictor of mortality (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 9.5; P=0.008), increased LOS (1.56-fold; P=0.001), DAT (OR, 25.1; 95% CI, 10.5 to 60.2; P<0.001), and increased cost (1.57-fold; P=0.003). The mean increase in equivalent cost attributable to ESBL production was $9,620. ESBL production was associated with severe adverse outcomes, including higher overall and infection-related mortality, increased LOS, DAT, discharge to chronic care, and higher costs.
