Melioidosis Causing Critical Illness: A Review of 24 Years of Experience From the Royal Darwin Hospital ICU*

Objectives: Melioidosis is increasing in incidence with newly recognized foci of melioidosis in the Americas, Africa, and elsewhere. This review describes the demographics, management, and outcomes of a large cohort of critically ill patients with melioidosis. Design: Data were extracted from two prospective databases—the Menzies School of Health Research Melioidosis Database (1989–2013) and the Royal Darwin Hospital ICU Melioidosis Database (2001–2013). Setting and Patients: The Royal Darwin Hospital ICU is the only ICU in the tropical Top End of Northern Territory of Australia, an endemic area for melioidosis. The study included all patients with melioidosis admitted to Royal Darwin Hospital ICU from 1989 to 2013. Measurements and Main Results: From 1989 to 2013, 207 patients with melioidosis required admission to ICU. Mortality reduced from 92% (1989–1997) to 26% (1998–2013) (p

from Emergency Medicine via xlomafota13 on Inoreader http://ift.tt/29Rs9p8