An analysis of the incidence, causes and preventative approaches to gram-negative bloodstream infections of hepatopancreatobiliary origin.

backgroundGram-negative bloodstream infection (GNBSI) is a threat to public health in terms of mortality and antibiotic resistance. The hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) cohort accounts for 15%-20% of GNBSI, yet few strategies have been explored to reduce HPB GNBSI.

aimTo identify clinical factors contributing to HPB GNBSI and strategies for its prevention.

methodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 433 cases of HPB GNBSI presenting to four hospitals between April 2015 and May 2019. We extracted key data from hospital and primary care records including: the underlying source of GNBSI; previous documentation of biliary disease; and any previous surgical or non-surgical management.

findingsOut of 433 cases of HPB GNBSI, 388 had clear evidence of HPB origin. The source of GNBSI was related to gallstone disease in 282 of the 388 cases (73%) and to HPB malignancy in 70 cases (18%). Of the gallstone-related cases, 117 had previously been diagnosed with symptomatic gallstones. Of the 117 with a previous presentation, 93 could have been prevented with a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the first presentation of gallstones, while 18 could have been prevented if intraoperative biliary tract imaging had been performed during a prior cholecystectomy. Of the 70 malignant cases, five could have been prevented through earlier biliary stenting, use of metal stents instead of plastic stents or earlier pancreaticoduodenectomy. DISCUSSION: The incidence of HPB GNBSI could be reduced by up to 30% by the implementation of alternative management strategies in this cohort.