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European Spine Journal

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01-12-2013 | Review Article

Body mass index and risk of surgical site infection following spine surgery: a meta-analysis

Authors: Dima Y. Abdallah, Mutaz M. Jadaan, John P. McCabe

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 12/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Inconsistent results have been reported in the literature on the association between obesity, expressed as increased body mass index (BMI), and risk for surgical site infection (SSI) following spine surgery. The objective of this study was to review and quantify the association between increased BMI and risk of spinal SSI in adults.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search for relevant studies using PubMed, Embase, and references of published manuscripts. Study-specific risk measures were transformed into slope estimates and combined using the random effects meta-analysis model to establish the risk of SSI associated with every 5-unit increase in BMI.

Results

Thirty-four articles underwent full-text review. Variations were noted among these studies in relation to SSI diagnosis criteria and BMI cut-off levels used to define obesity. Data from 12 retrospective studies were included in the analyses. Results showed that BMI was significantly positively associated with the risk of spinal SSI. Unadjusted risk estimates demonstrated that a 5-unit increase in BMI was associated with 13 % increased risk of SSI [Crude odds ratio (OR): 1.13; 95 % CI: 1.07–1.19, p < 0.0001]. Pooling of risk estimates adjusted for diabetes and other confounders resulted in a 21 % increase in risk of spinal SSI for every 5-unit increase in BMI (adjusted OR: 1.21; 95 % CI 1.13–1.29, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Higher BMI is associated with the increased risk of SSI following spine surgery. Prospective studies are needed to confirm this association and to determine whether other measures of fat distribution are better predictors of risk of SSI.

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Title: Body mass index and risk of surgical site infection following spine surgery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Dima Y. Abdallah
Mutaz M. Jadaan
John P. McCabe
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 12/2013
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2890-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Body mass index and risk of surgical site infection following spine surgery: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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