Perioperative infections in congenital heart disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Perioperative infections have significant consequences for children with congenital heart disease (CHD), which can manifest as acute or chronic infection followed by poor growth and progressive cardiac failure. The consequences include delayed or higher-risk surgery, and increased postoperative morbidity and mortality.METHODS: A systematic search for studies evaluating the burden and interventions to reduce perioperative infections in children with CHD was undertaken using PubMed.RESULTS: Limited studies conducted in low- to middle-income countries demonstrated the large burden of perioperative infections among children with CHD. Most studies focussed on infections after surgery...