Prophylaxis with Bactroban Nasal Significantly Reduces Incidence of Life-Threatening and Costly Infections

Strategic Insights -

A new study has found that pre-operative use of Bactroban Nasal (mupirocin calcium ointment, 2%) significantly decreases the risk of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) nosocomial infections among surgical patients. The study, which included 4,030 surgical patients, demonstrated a nearly 50% decrease in the risk of S. aureus nosocomial infection in patients treated with Bactroban Nasal compared to those in the placebo group. S. aureus is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections in the United States, with 2.5 million such infections occurring annually, resulting in significant patient morbidity and mortality, as well as excess hospital costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that pre-operative use of Bactroban Nasal significantly decreases the risk of S. aureus nosocomial infections among surgical patients by nearly 50%.
  • Of the 129 patients who developed post-operative nosocomial infections, 51 patients were infected with S. aureus, and treatment with Bactroban Nasal resulted in a significantly lower rate of S. aureus nosocomial infections.
  • The study included 4,030 surgical patients who underwent cardiothoracic, general, or neurologic procedures and were followed for four weeks post-procedure.
  • S. aureus is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections in the United States, with 2.5 million such infections occurring annually.
  • S. aureus nasal carriers (approximately 20% of the general population) are at higher risk for developing nosocomial infections, including surgical site infections.
  • The study demonstrated a significant decrease in the incidence of S. aureus surgical site infections among Bactroban-treated patients who underwent cardiothoracic and general surgery.

Statistics:

  • 2.5 million hospital-acquired infections occur annually in the United States (source: CDC).
  • 20% of the general population are S. aureus nasal carriers (source: study).
  • The study included 4,030 surgical patients (source: study).
  • 129 patients developed post-operative nosocomial infections (source: study).
  • 51 patients were infected with S. aureus (source: study).
  • The incidence of S. aureus nosocomial infections was reduced by 48.5% in the Bactroban Nasal group compared to the placebo group (source: study).

Sources:

  • Press release, "New Study Suggests Role for Prophylaxis in Reducing Incidence of Life-Threatening and Costly Infections," April 19 (no year specified).
  • Rubin R J, Harrington C A, Poon A, et al. "The economic impact of Staphylococcus aureus infections in New York City hospitals," Emerging Infectious Diseases 1998: 5:1-9.