Bacterial and fungal infections after cardiac surgery in children.

Of 245 children operated on for congenital heart diseases in 1983-1984, bacterial and fungal infections occurred in 3.6% compared to 17.8% of 469 in 1968-1972. Staphylococcal infections decreased from 3.4%-0.8% and those by gram-negative bacteria from 6.9%-0%; Candida albicans infections increased from 0%-1.2%. Perioperative prophylaxis was performed with cefotaxime plus piperacillin in 1983-1984 versus oxacillin plus ampicillin in 1968-1972. It is argued that reduction of the infection rate is not only due to newer and more effective antibiotics but is mainly related to more advanced surgical techniques and improved hygiene in our intensive care units.