Sohail et al identified risk factors associated with infection of a permanent pacemaker. This can help identify a patient who may require closer monitoring following placement. The authors are from the Mayo Clinic.
Risk factors increasing the risk of infection:
(1) history of corticosteroid therapy (>= 20 mg of prednisone per day for >= 30 days during the year before the procedure)
(2) 3 or more leads in place
Risk factors reducing the risk of infection:
(1) appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis given prior to placement
where:
• The odds ratio for corticosteroid therapy is approximately 14.
• The odds ratio for the number of leads is 5 - 6.
• The odds ratio for antibiotic prophylaxis is approximately 0.09 (which is the inverse of 11).
• In the implementation corticosteroid use is given 2 points, number of leads 1 and antibiotic prophylaxis -2.
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