Infections After Cardiac Surgery in PCICU

Children undergoing cardiac surgery are at increased risk for developing peri-operative infection. Congestive heart failure, invasive lines, failure to thrive, mechanical ventilation, and inflammatory response are some of the risk factors that contribute to nosocomial infections particularly after cardiopulmonary bypass and surgical repair. This chapter will discuss nosocomial infections after pediatric cardiac surgery and measures to prevent and treat different types of nosocomial infections post-surgery.