An analysis of predictors of Staphylococcus aureus among patients with autoimmune diseases in North Texas

The prevalence of autoimmunity is increasing, and a comprehensive, definitive understanding of treatment remains elusive to medical and genetic research. Hospitalized autoimmune patients who experience complications are potentially at greater risk for infections. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the predictors of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) among hospitalized, autoimmune patients in North Texas. This retrospective study assessed secondary data of 65,536 adult patients from 1999 to 2005. Cross tabulations, chi squares, t tests, ANOVAs, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to find relationships and predictors of SA related infections among the sample. The descriptive characteristics of patients discharged after SA infections were analyzed. Multiple significant relationships were identified. The rate of SA infections discovered in the sample, SA specific infections (2.8%), SA infections (1.7%), MRSA (.1%), and SA possibly related infections (3.3%) was included in the data presentation. Finally, multiple logistic regression analyses were completed on the full sample, and three random samples. Several covariates were either protective or predictive of a diagnosis of infection in patients with autoimmune diagnoses. Females (OR = 1.256 – 1.791, p <.05), African-Americans (OR = 1.231– 1.427, p < .05), 10 or more day 1.427, p < .05), 10 or more day hospital stay (OR = 3.955 – 6.911, p < .001), $24,000 or more in hospital charges (OR = 2.210 – 2.726, p < .01), SLE patients (OR = 1.421 – 2.198, p < .05), acute renal failure (1.346 – 3.071, p < .05), and patients with acute respiratory failure (OR = 1.416 – 2.664, p < .05) were at increased risk for infection.