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Mediastinitis after cardiac surgery in Madani Heart Center, Tabriz, Iran

Reza Ghotaslou1, Ali-Reza Yagoubi, Ahmad-Ali Khalili

  • 1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. gottasloreza@tbzmed.ac.ir.

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 26, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Post-sternotomy infections, or mediastinitis, are serious complications after cardiac surgery. Identifying risk factors is crucial for preventing these life-threatening infections, which have a high mortality rate.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

  • Post-sternotomy infections, including mediastinitis, are significant nosocomial infections.
  • These infections affect the mediastinum and sternum, carrying high morbidity and mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of mediastinitis following cardiac surgery.
  • To identify common risk factors associated with post-sternotomy infections.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of cardiac surgery patients was conducted.
  • Data was collected from patients with suspected mediastinitis at Madani Heart Center, Iran (2004-2006).

Main Results:

  • The incidence of postoperative mediastinitis was 1.2%.
  • The mortality rate associated with mediastinitis was high, at 34.3%.
  • Commonly isolated pathogens included coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.

Conclusions:

  • Mediastinitis after cardiac surgery, though rare, is a life-threatening complication.
  • Prevention is paramount, and identifying risk factors can enhance preventive strategies.

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