Description

Algra et al developed a bedside prediction rule for evaluation a pediatric patient following cardiac surgery. This can help to identify a patient who is at increased risk for a nosocomial infection. The authors are from the University Medical Center Utrecht in The Netherlands.


Patient selection: pediatric patient < 18 years old undergoing cardiac surgery

 

Outcome: postoperative infection (most often surgical site, urinary tract infection, respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, and/or sepsis)

 

Parameters:

(1) age

(2) length of stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)

(3) length of time with an open sternum following surgery

 

Parameter

Finding

Points

age

< 6 months

1

 

>= 6 months

0

stay in PICU

<= 48 hours

0

 

> 48 hours

4

time with open sternum

<= 48 hours

0

 

> 48 hours

1

 

total score =

= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 6

• The higher the score the greater the risk of a postoperative infection.

 

Total Score

Postoperative Infection

0

7%

1 or 2

12%

3 or 4

34%

5

42%

6

57%

 


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