Abstract
During a recent 1-year period, 31 patients sustained a major sternal wound infection and sternal dehiscence developed in 6 patients. Multiple potential risk factors were tabulated in these patients and in a control group selected from 1,521 patients undergoing stemotomy during the same time period. The overall infection rate was 2.1%, and the mortality rate in the patients with sternal infection or dehiscence was 16.2%. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prolonged intensive care unit stay, respiratory failure, connective tissue disease, and male sex were significantly higher in the group with sternal infection or dehiscence ( p < 0.05). Advanced age and low cardiac output episodes were more frequent in this group, but only approached statistical significance. Although several risk factors may have been interrelated, male sex and the presence of pulmonary disease were statistically independent predictors of sternal wound infection. Risk factors may be helpful in identifying high-risk patients for additional prophylactic measures.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
