Abdominal surgical site infections: a prospective study of determinant factors in Harare, Zimbabwe. Issue 5 (19th September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muchuweti, David; Jönsson, Kent UG
• Is Part Of: International wound journal. Volume 12:Issue 5(2015)
• Page Start: 517
• Page End: 522
• Publication Date: 2013-09-19
• Subjects: Blood transfusion -- HIV infection -- Prophylactic antibiotics -- Surgical site infection -- Wound class; Wounds and injuries -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Wound healing -- Periodicals; 617.1005
• DOI: 10.1111/iwj.12145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1742-4801

Abstract

Abstract: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are reported in lower frequencies in the developed countries than in the developing world. A prospective evaluation of risk factors in 285 patients undergoing abdominal surgery procedures in Zimbabwe was therefore undertaken. Overall infection rate was 26%. The age group 30–39 years had the highest number of dirty wounds and the highest rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Multivariate regression analysis showed a correlation between wound class and SSI ( P < 0·05). This was also noted for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ( P < 0·05). HIV‐infected patients had 52% SSIs and non‐infected patients had 26% ( P < 0·05). Patients receiving blood transfusion had 51% SSIs and those not transfused had 17% ( P < 0·01). Patients receiving pre‐ and intra‐operative prophylactic antibiotics had 18% SSIs and those receiving postoperative administration had 37% ( P < 0·01). Treatment ranged from dressings only in 11% to surgical intervention in 30% resulting in prolongation of median hospital stay from 8 to 18 days ( P < 0·001). Mortality was 7%. High wound class, high ASA score, blood transfusion, HIV infection and delayed use of prophylactic antibiotics were risk factors for SSIs, resulting in surgical interventions, prolonged hospital stay and mortality.