Mediastinitis After Congenital Heart Surgery: Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Outcomes

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2023 Jul 1;42(7):e250-e253. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003934. Epub 2023 Apr 26.

Abstract

Mediastinitis after surgery for congenital heart disease has a great impact on morbidity and mortality. However, there are scarce studies focused on the epidemiology of postsurgical mediastinitis in pediatric patients. In this 18-year period retrospective study, the cumulative incidence of mediastinitis was low: 0.64%, (95% confidence interval: 0.36-1.1). Gram-negative bacilli were common (35%). The mortality rate was 7.1%, associated with fungal infection.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / complications
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / epidemiology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Mediastinitis* / etiology
  • Mediastinitis* / microbiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Surgical Wound Infection / epidemiology