Multiple Subcutaneous Abscesses by MSSA Related to Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Infection in an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant

Abstract

Preterm infants are at high risk of developing invasive staphylococcal disease, not only because of immature host defense mechanisms but also secondary to intensive medical treatment required in the first few weeks of life. Staphylococcus aureus commonly causes superficial skin abscesses. Most patients with small skin abscesses present with localized pain and erythema; however, in some neonates, a skin abscess can rapidly progress to bacteremia and clinical sepsis. Previous reports have described sepsis or bacteremia causing multiple subcutaneous abscesses in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, mostly due to Gram-negative rods. Ours is the first report to describe the occurrence of multiple staphylococcal pyogenic subcutaneous abscesses secondary to peripherally inserted central catheter-related sepsis in an ELBW infant. We recommend that physicians perform a thorough clinical examination including an inspection of the skin all over the body keeping in mind the possibility of multiple skin abscesses particularly in preterm infants presenting with S. aureus sepsis.