What are the risk factors for deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery?
Risk factors for deep sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery include diabetes mellitus, obesity (body mass index 30 kg/m2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, prolonged CPB time, reoperation, prolonged intubation time, and surgical reexploration. Potentially modifiable risk factors are smoking cessation, optimized nutritional status, adequate preoperative glycemic status (with hemoglobin A1c 6.9%), and weight loss.