One-third of people who inject drugs are at risk of incomplete treatment for Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: a retrospective medical record review

Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is often a complication of injecting drug use, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This article reports the first audit of inpatient parenteral treatment of SAB completion among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia. Of 198 patients admitted with SAB, 106 were analysed. Twelve PWID had an inpatient stay <14 days compared with seven non-PWID (34% vs 10%; P=0.002). Sixteen PWID experienced discharge against medical advice compared with zero non-PWID (46% vs 0%; P<0.001). Re-admission to hospital within 28 days was 2.5 times greater among PWID than non-PWID (31% vs 15%; P=0.026). Methadone dose <60 mg/day was associated with premature discharge in opioid-dependent PWID receiving methadone (n=21, 100% vs 31%; P=0.012).