Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection After Cardiac Surgery in Neonates: A Case–Control Study

<b>Objectives:</b> This study was undertaken to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with the development of sternal wound infection in neonates after surgery for congenital heart disease. <b>Methods:</b> A case-control study was conducted to examine the influence of perioperative risk factors on the development of sternal infection. In total, 253 neonates with CHD underwent a complete median sternotomy. To identify the risk factors influencing the development of sternal infection, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. <b>Results:</b> Overall, 15 (5.9%) patients developed sternal wound infection after surgery. Deep wound infection occurred in six (2.4%) cases. As a result, the perioperative risk factors were the level of oxygen delivery in the postoperative period (OR: 0.956; CI: 0.933-0.98; <i>p</i> < 0.001), duration of intubation after surgery (OR: 1.04; CI: 1.003-1.079; <i>p</i> = 0.034) and application of surgical manipulation features (OR: 0.0004; CI: 0.000007-0.027; <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> The incidence of sternal infection in newborns can be reduced by simple and affordable methods. This will decrease the cost of patient care, length of hospitalization and the risk of secondary complications.