Risk factors for postcesarean surgical site infection

Objective: To determine postcesarean complications and identify independent risk factors for surgical site infection. Methods: We studied a cohort of 969 women delivered by cesarean between May and August 1997. Infections were determined by examinations during ward rounds, reviews of laboratory results, and follow-up for 30 days after discharge. Risk factors were identified by multiple logistic regression. Results: Surgical complications were rare. There were febrile morbidity and infection complications in 16.2% and 12.4%,of subjects, respectively. Eighty-five subjects had 95 surgical:site infections (9.8%), and seven risk factors were independently associated with infection. Risk factors included preoperative remote infection (adjusted odd ratio [OR] 16.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1, 128.3); chorioamnionitis (OR 10.6, 95% CI 2.1, 54.2); maternal preoperative condition (OR 5.3 for those with severe systemic disease [American Society of Anesthesiologists score greater than or equal to 3], 95% CI 1.2, 24.0); preeclampsia (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1, 4.9); higher body mass index (OR 2.0 for every five-unit increment, 95% CI 1.3, 3.0); nulliparity (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1, 3.2); and increased surgical blood loss (OR 1.3 for every 100-mL increment, 95% CI 1.1, 1.5). Conclusion: Host susceptibility and existing infections were important predictors of surgical site infection after cesarean delivery. Further intervention should target this high-risk group to reduce the clinical effect of surgical site infection. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;95:367-71. (C) 2000 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.).