Staphylococcus Aureus Infections: Impact on Cost, Length of Stay and Mortality at Hospitals in Louisiana: An analysis of the 2000-2007 Louisiana Hospital Inpatient Discharge Data

Background: Staphylococcus Aureus (SA) infections are an important cause of morbidity, and mortality worldwide. The economic impact of these infections is significant particularly among patients suffering a staphylococcal infection who require a hospital admission.;Objective: The goal of this study was to estimate Length of hospitals stay (LOS) and total payments for hospital admissions in Louisiana for patients with SA as a first (primary) or second or higher (co- morbid) diagnosis.;Methods: Data was extracted from the 2000-2007 Louisiana Hospital Inpatient Discharge Data Base (LAHIDD).To correct for non-normal distribution of the total charges and payments, gamma distributed generalized linear models using a logarithmic transformation were specified for the dependant variables through the use of the PROC GENMOD module in the SAS statistical software(version 9.2).;Results: Rates of SA infections increase over time. Average quarterly SA infection rate is 66.69 per 100.000 population. CA-SA charges increase rapidly overtime until 4th quarter 2005. LOS also increases. Number of deaths does not increase.;Conclusions: The increasing prevalence of SA infections, HA and CA types, and by extension of MRSA together with the increased associated morbidity and mortality, underscore the reasons why SA infections represent a significant economic burden. This study further highlights that all measures should be taken to control and prevent SA infections, Our findings add to the body of evidence which suggests that SA should be considered a priority for disease control.