(179) Does Climate Impact IPP Infection Risk? Assessment of Temperature and Dew Point on IPP Infections

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Variations in climate have been associated with greater risk of surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and changes in the skin microbiome. Although the pathogenic organisms for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) infections are commonly skin flora, limited data exists on the impact of climate on IPP infections. Objective We sought to evaluate the impact of climate on the pathogenic organisms of IPP infections in a large international, multicenter cohort. Methods We performed a multi-institutional, retrospective study of patients undergoing IPP surgery. We then evaluated whether the month or season, during which surgery was performed, affected device infections. Additionally, we assessed the effect of temperature, dew point, and humidity on the microorganisms involved in implant infections. Infections were classified as Gram positive, Gram negative, or mixed (including a combination of Gram positive, Gram negative, and/or fungi). A univariate logistic regression analysis was undertaken. Results A total of 5289 patients with a mean age of 62.2 ± 10.8 years received IPP placement. A total of 103 (1.9%) infections were recorded. Overall, 38 (36.9%) infections were caused by Gram positive bacteria. An increase in temperature was associated with a higher risk of infection with Gram positive bacteria (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1 to 1.07, p=0.035). Infections were more frequent as temperature increased with 74.7% of infections occurring when mean ambient temperature was greater than 55□F. No statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of season (p=0.19) and month (p=0.29). Conclusions Higher temperature is associated with greater risk of Gram positive infections These findings may help surgeons tailor antibiotic prophylaxis based on local climate especially when temperatures are over 55□F. Our findings should prompt further studies regarding the impact of climate on infection prevention to further improve IPP outcomes. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: consultant Coloplast, Cynosure, Antares Pharma, Clarus Pharmaceuticals, Acerus Pharma, Boston Scientific.