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Risk factors for surgical site infection after delayed sternal closure

Michael E Bowman1, Ivan M Rebeyka, David B Ross

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta and Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. mbowman.pid@gmail.com

American Journal of Infection Control
|October 30, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Surgical site infections (SSIs) occurred in 13.7% of pediatric cardiac surgery patients with delayed sternal closure. Open bay intensive care unit settings showed a trend toward increased SSIs, highlighting infection control needs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric cardiac surgery
  • Infection control
  • Surgical site infections

Background:

  • Delayed sternal closure is sometimes necessary after pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a potential complication.
  • Understanding risk factors is crucial for prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence and risk factors for SSIs after delayed sternal closure in pediatric cardiac surgery.
  • To identify patient and environmental factors associated with SSIs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of prospectively collected infection control data.
  • Analysis of 130 pediatric patients who underwent delayed sternal closure.
  • Statistical analysis to identify risk factors for SSIs.

Main Results:

  • The overall incidence of SSIs was 13.7%.
  • Mediastinitis occurred in 6.9% of patients.
  • A trend towards increased SSIs was observed in patients in open bay settings within the pediatric intensive care unit.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed sternal closure in pediatric cardiac surgery is associated with a significant risk of SSIs.
  • Environmental factors, such as open bay intensive care unit settings, may contribute to SSI risk.
  • Enhanced infection control measures may be warranted for these high-risk patients.

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