Abstract | BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: METHODS: We examined the association between preoperative corticosteroid use and postoperative infectious complications in a cohort of adults who underwent a neurosurgical procedure between 2005 and 2010 at centers participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Corticosteroid use was defined as at least 10 days of oral or parental therapy in the 30 days prior to surgery. Our primary outcome was a composite of any infectious complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. We used propensity score analysis to examine the independent association between preoperative corticosteroid use and postoperative infections. RESULTS: CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that preoperative corticosteroid use is associated with an increased risk of infectious complications after neurosurgery. These findings may aid physicians with preoperative treatment decisions and risk stratification. Future randomized trials are needed to guide preoperative use of corticosteroids in this population.
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Authors | Alexander E Merkler, Vaishali Saini, Hooman Kamel, Philip E Stieg |
Journal | The Neurohospitalist
(Neurohospitalist)
Vol. 4
Issue 2
Pg. 80-5
(Apr 2014)
ISSN: 1941-8744 [Print] United States |
PMID | 24707336
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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