Mediastinal wound infections following pediatric cardiac surgery.

Deep sternal wound infections in children and neonates occur at approximately the same incidence as in adults. The organisms responsible are generally Staphylococcal species. The risk factors in adults include diabetes mellitus, the use of internal mammary artery grafts for bypass conduits, and other factors which clearly relate to age and the nature of the operations performed. In children the risk factors include leaving the sternum open following repair, nasal colonization with Staphylococcal species, need for re-exploration for bleeding, and others. Although conventional therapy for this complication is similar to what is proposed for adults, recently interest has been established in treating with debridement and primary closure of the sternum.