ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Respiratory failure and respiratory tract infections are frequently observed as post-operative pulmonary complications, and significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. However, the risk factors of post-operative respiratory failure and respiratory tract infections are controversial, and how these factors affect on incidence of complications is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors of post-operative respiratory failure and respiratory tract infections, and evaluate its impact on incidences after cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: From June 2013 to May 2015, adult patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery in the department of cardiovascular surgery and post-operative rehabilitation of Nagasaki University Hospital (Nagasaki, Japan) were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: Fifty-two of 416 patients(12.5%)suffered from post-operative respiratory failure and respiratory tract infections. Identified risk stratification indicates the relevant operative factors were more important than pre-operative factors. The operative time (OR 1.696, 95% CI 1.302~2.211), post-operative water balance( OR 1.025, 95% CI 1.004~1.046)and emergency operation( OR 3.607, 95% CI 1.492~8.716)were significant independent risk factors in the development of post-operative respiratory failure and respiratory tract infections. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated that the operative factors are more important as onset of post-operative respiratory failure and respiratory tract infections after cardiovascular surgery.
