A comprehensive intervention associated with reduced surgical site infections among pediatric cardiovascular surgery patients, including those with delayed closure

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) cause significant morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cardiovascular (CV) surgery. Following an increase in SSIs in this population, driven by a high rate in those with delayed closure, we implemented an intervention to reduce these infections and assessed the intervention using both population- and patient-level analyses. Methods: An intervention drawing from existing guidelines and targeting preoperative preparation of the patient, prophylactic antibiotics, and postoperative incision care was implemented. Special attention was paid to standardizing the care of the incision of patients with delayed closure. National Healthcare Safety Network criteria were used to prospectively identify SSIs. Population-level intervention effect was assessed using interrupted time series. To assess intervention adherence and effect in our patient population, retrospective chart review was performed on a cohort of patients undergoing cardiac procedures pre- and postintervention. Multivariate analysis was used to assess risk of SSI at the patient level. Results: Timely preoperative prophylactic antibiotic dosing increased from 60% preintervention to 92% postintervention, and redosing during prolonged surgeries increased from 5% to 79% (both, P