Risk factors for surgical site infection after cesarean delivery: A case-control study

Background: The cesarean delivery (CD) rate is increasing worldwide. Surgical site infection (SSI) incidence is likely to follow an upward trajectory. We examined the incidence and risk factors for SSI after CD. Methods: A case-control study of women who had a lower-segment CD during the study period was performed at Ireland's Cork University Maternity Hospital. Cases were patients who presented to the hospital with SSI and who met the criteria of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Controls were randomly selected from the discharge register of CDs at a ratio of 2:1. Data were extracted from the medical records. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression model approach was used, and the results were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs). Results: The SSI rate was 2%. The greatest contribution to risk of SSI was associated with maternal obesity (aOR, 4.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00-11.32) and hypertensive disorders (aOR, 6.67; 95% CI, 1.54-28.99]. There was also an increased risk for women who underwent an emergency CD (aOR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.09-11.30), for women who had ≥5 vaginal examinations (aOR, 3.24; 95% CI, 0.92-11.41), and for women without hypertensive disorders who delivered a baby weighing <3,500 g (aOR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.08-4.37). Conclusions: Obesity, hypertensive disorders, emergency CD, and multiple vaginal examinations were independent risk factors for SSI after CD.