Clinical investigation of nosocomial infections in adult patients after
cardiac surgery
Abstract
Background: Nosocomial infections (NI) are common complications after
cardiac surgery. Till now, there are rare manuscripts investigating NI
in intensive care unit (ICU) after cardiac surgery. Our article was
designed to investigate the characteristics of distribution of
pathogenic bacteria and antibiotics resistance of NI. Methods: 1360
patients received standard postoperative care including antibiotic
prophylaxis. Microbiological examinations of the sputum, blood, catheter
tips and excretion were performed as clinically indicated to isolate
pathogens. Results: 89 patients (6.54%) acquired microbiological
documented NI. There was a statistical difference in mortality between
two groups with or without postoperative NI (23.60% vs 2.28%,
p<0.00). 98 (73.13%) were isolated from sputum and 32
(23.88%) from blood. 3 (2.24%) SSI were detected (2 superficial SSI, 1
mediastinitis) and only 1 (0.75%) from urine. The most common pathogens
were Gram-negative bacteria (78.36%), followed by Gram-positive
bacteria (14.93%) and fungi (6.71%). The major species of pathogens
had different levels of drug resistance and most of them exhibited
multidrug-resistance (MDR). Conclusions: We analyzed the characteristics
of distribution of pathogens and antibiotics resistance of NI in our
center and provided some suggestions for clinical practice. Except for
antibiotic treatment, aggressive infection control measures may be
crucial to stop or prevent outbreaks.