Does the anthropometric profile influence infection morbidity after
coronary artery bypass grafting?
Abstract
Background: Infection after cardiovascular surgery is multifactorial. We
sought to determine whether the anthropometric profile influence the
occurrence of infection after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting
(CABG). Methods: Between January 2011 and June 2016, 1,777 consecutive
adult patients were submitted to isolated coronary artery bypass
grafting. Mean age was 61.7 ± 9.8 years and 1,193 (67.1%) were males.
Patients were divided into four groups according to the Body Mass Index
(BMI) classification: underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2: N=17,
0.9%), normal range (BMI 18.5 – 24.99 kg/m2: N=522, 29.4%),
overweight (BMI 25 – 29.99 kg/m2: N=796, 44.8%) and obese
(>30 kg/m2: N=430, 24.2%). In-hospital outcomes were
compared and independent predictors of infection were obtained through
multiple Poisson regression with robust variation. Results: Independent
predictors of any infection morbidity were female sex (RR 1.47,
P=0.002), age > 60 years (RR 1.85, P<0.0001),
cardiopulmonary bypass > 120 minutes (RR 1.89, P=0.0007),
preoperative myocardial infarction < 30 days (RR 1.37,
P=0.01), diabetes mellitus (RR 1.59, P=0.0003), ejection fraction
< 48% (RR 2.12, P<0.0001) and blood transfusion (RR
1.55, P=0.0008). Among other variables, obesity, as well as diabetes
mellitus, were independent predictors of superficial and deep sternal
wound infection. Conclusions: Other factors rather than the
anthropometric profile are more important in determining the occurrence
of any infection after CABG. However, surgical site infection has
occurred more frequently in obese patients. Appropriate patient
selection, control of modifiable factors and application of surgical
bundles would minimize this important complication.