BACKGROUND: Previous studies on predictors of @entity2737 ( @entity2737 ) have identified either @entity1576 or tracheostomy as a risk factor for the occurrence of this complication. This study was conducted to analyze the interaction between these two variables. We hypothesize that @entity1576 and not tracheostomy per se is associated with an increased risk of @entity2737 . METHODS: We analyzed 2823 @entity1 who underwent cardiac operations through median sternotomy between January 2002 and September 2006. @entity1 were divided into three groups: @entity1576 with or without tracheostomy (tracheostomy versus nontracheostomy) and @entity1 without @entity1576 . The primary outcome measure was the incidence of @entity2737 in each group and its predictors. RESULTS: @entity1576 was observed in 252 @entity1 (9%): 144 without tracheostomy (57%) and 108 with tracheostomy (43%). The mean duration of intubation in nontracheostomy @entity1 was 19 +/- 12 days. The mean duration to tracheostomy was 13 +/- 6 days. @entity2737 occurred in 38 @entity1 (1.3%): @entity1 with no @entity1576 , 1%; @entity1 with @entity1576 , 5.1% (p < 0.001). The incidence of @entity2737 was similar between tracheostomy (4.6%) and nontracheostomy @entity1 (5.6%, p = 0.5). The mean time to diagnosis of @entity2737 was 25 +/- 14 days and was similar for all groups. The mean number of days to tracheostomy was 12 +/- 3 days in @entity2737 @entity1 and 13 +/- 6 in @entity1 without @entity2737 (p = 0.7). In multivariate analysis, @entity1576 was the strongest predictor of @entity2737 (odds ratio, 5.2). Tracheostomy was not identified as a predictor of @entity2737 or hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of @entity2737 remains high in @entity1 with @entity1576 . Tracheostomy is not a risk factor for @entity2737 and serves as a surrogate for @entity1576 . Therefore, considering that early tracheostomy may be beneficial in @entity1 with @entity1576 , a more liberal approach to early tracheostomy may be warranted.

Tracheostomy is not a risk factor for XXXX after cardiac surgery.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients'] @entity1576 :: ('MESH:D012131', 'Disease') :: ['Postoperative respiratory failure', 'respiratory failure', 'respiratory insufficiency'] @entity2737 :: ('MESH:D014946', 'Disease') :: ['DSWI', 'deep sternal wound infection']
@entity2737 :: (MESH:D014946,Disease) :: ['deep sternal wound infection']
