Surgical site infections in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Background-Surgical interventions are common in infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Despite our awareness of the broad impact of surgical site infection (SSI), there is little data in neonates. Our objective was to determine the rate and clinical impact of SSI in infants admitted to the NICU.

Silver-impregnated hydrofiber dressing followed by delayed surgical closure for management of infants born with giant omphaloceles

“…We report no infectious complications or sepsis in our patients perhaps due to shortened ventilation time as well as avoidance of early surgical closure which has been linked with higher risk of infection. [23] Our data indicate that delayed surgical closure of these infants is not associated with greater complications or longer neonatal stay time. Our mean day to closure was 331 days relative to 92 days in past report (including primary closure) [4].…”

“…If the omphalocele was ruptured (one case),the sac was repaired with running suture before application of the first dressing [14]. In this case, the sac ruptured during delivery and was repaired by a running a 4-0 vicryl suture.…”

Successful three stage repair of a large congenital abdominal region defect

“…Both of which hare associated with complications. A review of 143 patients found a 60% secondary sepsis rate due to prolonged (median 34.8 days) mechanical ventilation in infants born with gastroschisis and omphaloceles [17]. Our first infant was intubated for only 31 days and had no perinatal complications.…”

“…A study of 724 patients found a strong correlation between early surgical closure (within 85 days) and surgical site infections (p < 0.0001) [17]. We, and others, have previously reported lower rates of surgical site infection with delayed surgical closure [4,19,20].…”

A Practical Guide to the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Neonatal Infections

“…Higher rates of surgical site infection defined as superficial, deep, and organ infections within 30 days of surgical procedures were noted among infants following closure of gastroschisis. 45 It is important to closely monitor infants with surgical site infection because they require significantly longer hospital stay. 45…”