Decolonization of children after incision and drainage for MRSA abscess: A retrospective cohort study

Background/Purpose. Whether decolonization following incision and drainage (I&D) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) abscess decreases repeat I&D and MRSA-positive cultures in children is unknown. Materials/Methods. Referral to the Pediatric Infectious Disease Service (PIDS) for decolonization was determined for eligible children (2003-2010), with outcomes studied over 12 months. Results. We identified 653 children; 54 had been seen by PIDS. In the PIDS group, no patients (0/54, 0%) had a repeat I&D. In the no PIDS group 36/599 (6%) had a repeat I&D, P =.06. Logistic regression modeling for repeat I&D showed no significant effect, odds ratio = 0.29; 95% confidence interval = 0.04-2.15; P =.23. In the PIDS group, 3 patients (3/54, 5.6%) had a repeat MRSA-positive culture. In the no PIDS group, 58/599 (9.7%) had a positive repeat culture, P =.46. Logistic regression modeling for positive culture showed no significant effect (odds ratio = 0.55; 95% confidence interval = 0.17-1.81; P =.32). Conclusions. We detected no statistically significant association between decolonization and repeat I&D or MRSA-positive culture.