A new study published in Spine examines surgical site infection risk at hospitals in Denmark, Japan and the United States.
The study authors collected data from prospective databases in Denmark, Japan and the U.S. to identify and compare risks. The study authors found:
1. The predictive variables for spine surgery readmissions and surgical site infections were different between the three countries.
2. In the U.S., a high American Society of Anesthesiologists grade was predictive for hospital readmission; in Denmark, fusion levels were predictive of readmissions; and in Japan, the patient's sex was predictive of readmission.
3. In Japan, the patient's sex, diabetes and length of stay were predictive of surgical site infection. However, researchers were unable to identify predictive factors in the U.S. or Denmark.
4. Study authors concluded the difference in predictors suggests "risk stratification models need to be population specific or adjusted."
5. There was a difference in the patient and procedure selection between the three countries, and different parameters were measured in each database. As a result, the risk stratification models may not be applicable from one country to the next.