The Relationship between Osteomyelitis of Long Bones and Mortality in Patients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

The available literature offers valuable insights into various aspects of osteomyelitis and its management, but a dedicated investigation into its impact on mortality within the specific context of ICU admissions is warranted. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap, shedding light on the critical interplay between long bone osteomyelitis and mortality in ICU patients and providing valuable data that can inform clinical practice, guide treatment strategies, and improve patient care and outcomes. Identification of eligible patients using electronic medical records. Data collection, including demographic information, comorbidities, ICU admission details, microbiological findings, and mortality outcomes. Comparison of the osteomyelitis group and control group with respect to mortality rates during their ICU stay. Subgroup analysis within the osteomyelitis group to explore factors associated with increased mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to assess the independent association between osteomyelitis and ICU mortality while controlling for potential confounding factors. After adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the odds ratio (OR) for ICU mortality in patients with osteomyelitis was 2.12 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 3.89). Notably, this analysis did not reveal a statistically significant association between osteomyelitis and ICU mortality (p =0.125). Our study demonstrates a significant association between osteomyelitis of long bones and increased mortality in patients admitted to the ICU. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for osteomyelitis in critically ill patients, especially those with risk factors.