Determination of Extra Craniofacial Abnormalities in Patients With Craniofacial Microsomia.

INTRODUCTION: Craniofacial microsomia (CFM) is caused by abnormalities in the development of the first and second pharyngeal arches. One-third to half of the patients with CFM also present with extra craniofacial (ECF) malformations. The knowledge of the visceral alteration related to CFM is vital for optimized care and a better prognosis. AIM: To describe the incidence of ECF malformations in patients with CFM and to infer if there was a correlation between CFM and ECF malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with CFM from 1996 to 2006. The data collected included age, gender, category of craniofacial alteration, and the type of ECF malformation when present. The sample was inspected to find possible correlations between craniofacial abnormalities and ECF malformations. RESULTS: The sample included 102 patients, with a mean age of 7 years and a predominance of males (61.8%). Ear malformations (93.1%) followed by mandible (59.8%) and facial nerve (10.8%) abnormalities were the most common CFM. Among patients with CFM, 37.2% had ECF involvement, mainly in vertebrae (20%), heart (11%), and limbs (9.8%). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of ear malformations was related to a higher incidence of nonspecific visceral malformations (P = 0.034) and that mandible malformation was related to an increased incidence of vertebral malformations (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: A significant percentage of patients with CFM presented associated ECF impairment. Ear and mandible involvement may be predictors of nonspecific visceral malformation and vertebral malformations, respectively.

Healthcare-Associated Infections in a Cardiac Surgery Service in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and their sites in a cardiac surgery service, as well as to determine if gender and age were risk factors for infection and to quantify mortality and increase in the hospital length of stay (LOS) due to HAI. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on age, gender, mortality, occurrence of HAI during hospitalization, and LOS were collected. Continuous variables were analyzed using Student's t-test, while categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test or chi-square test. RESULTS: Among the 195 patients available, the HAI rate in our service was 22.6%, with female gender being a risk factor for infections (odds ratio [OR]=2.23; P=0.015). Age was also a significant risk factor for infections, with a difference in the mean age between the group with and without infection (P=0.02). The occurrence of an infectious process increased the LOS in 14 days (P<0.001) and resulted in higher mortality rates (P=0.112). A patient who has HAI was approximately 19 times more likely to remain hospitalized for more than nine days (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Age and gender were risk factors for the development of HAI and the occurrence of an infectious process during hospitalization significantly increases the LOS. These findings may guide future actions aimed at reducing the impact of HAI on the health system.

Healthcare-associated infections in a cardiac surgery service in brazil

Abstract Objectives: The study aimed to determine the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and their sites in a cardiac surgery service, as well as to determine if gender and age were risk factors for infection and to quantify mortality and increase in the hospital length of stay (LOS) due to HAI. Methods: Medical records of patients who underwent cardiac surgery from January 2012 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Data on age, gender, mortality, occurrence of HAI during hospitalization, and LOS were collected. Continuous variables were analyzed using Student's t-test, while categorical variables were compared using Fisher's exact test or chi-square test. Results: Among the 195 patients available, the HAI rate in our service was 22.6%, with female gender being a risk factor for infections (odds ratio [OR]=2.23; P=0.015). Age was also a significant risk factor for infections, with a difference in the mean age between the group with and without infection (P=0.02). The occurrence of an infectious process increased the LOS in 14 days (P<0.001) and resulted in higher mortality rates (P=0.112). A patient who has HAI was approximately 19 times more likely to remain hospitalized for more than nine days (P<0.001). Conclusion: Age and gender were risk factors for the development of HAI and the occurrence of an infectious process during hospitalization significantly increases the LOS. These findings may guide future actions aimed at reducing the impact of HAI on the health system.