ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Assessment of incidence and behavior of mediastinitis after cardiac transplantation. METHODS: From 1985 to 1999, 214 cardiac transplantations were performed, 12 (5.6 per cent) of the transplanted patients developed confirmed mediastinitis. Patient's ages ranged from 42 to 66 years (mean of 52.3 + or - 10.0 years) and 10 (83.3 per cent) patients were males. Seven (58.3 per cent) patients showed sternal stability on palpation, 4 (33.3 per cent) patients had pleural empyema, and 2 (16.7 per cent) patients did not show purulent secretion draining through the wound. RESULTS: Staphylococcus aureus was the infectious agent identified in the wound secretion or in the mediastinum, or both, in 8 (66.7 per cent) patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified in 2 (16.7 per cent) patients, Enterococcus faecalis in 1 (8.3 per cent) patient, and the cause of mediastinitis could not be determined in 1 (8.3 per cent) patient. Surgical treatment was performed on an emergency basis, and the extension of the débridement varied with local conditions. In 2 (16.7 per cent) patients, we chose to leave the surgical wound open and performed daily dressings with granulated sugar. Total sternal resection was performed in only 1 (8.3 per cent) patient. Out of this series, 5 (41.7 per cent) patients died, and the causes of death were related to the infection. Autopsy revealed persistence of mediastinitis in 1 (8.3 per ent) patient. CONCLUSION: Promptness in diagnosing mediastinitis and precocious surgical drainage have changed the natural evolution of this disease. Nevertheless, observance of the basic precepts of prophylaxis of infection is still the best way to treat mediastinitis.