Risk Factors for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Colonization in Intensive Care Units: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in intensive care units (ICUs) pose a significant threat. Colonization with CRE is a prerequisite for bacterial translocation/infections. This work aimed to determine risk factors for CRE colonization in ICU patients. Methods: To find relevant works, PubMed, EMBASE, and references of eligible studies were systematically searched using appropriate keywords up to September 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were used to compare risk factor between CRE colonized cases and CRE noncolonized controls. Results: Twelve studies were included. Previous hospitalization (OR: 2.26), previous ICU stay (OR: 10.33), higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score (mean difference [MD]: 4.38), central venous catheter (OR: 4.07), long-term gastric tube (OR: 3.01), hemodialysis catheter (OR: 3.38), urinary catheter (OR: 2.59), mechanical ventilation (OR: 3.41), endoscopy (OR: 3.37), tracheostomy (OR: 3.46), and exposure to antibiotics such as glycopeptide (OR: 10.68), aminoglycosides (OR: 6.53), tigecycline (OR: 6.87), vancomycin (OR: 5.32), carbapenems (OR: 5.23), cephalosporins (OR: 4.96), metronidazole (OR: 4.82), penicillin (OR: 4.41), and β-lactams/β-lactamase inhibitor (OR: 4.28) are highly associated with CRE colonization. Conclusions: ICU-admitted patients with prior hospitalization, ICU stay, previous antibiotic use, and invasive devices/procedures exposures should be prioritized in the screening strategy for CRE colonization to prevent nosocomial infections.