Factors associated with prolonged intensive care unit stay following open heart surgery at Uganda Heart Institute: A retrospective study

Abstract

Background: Prolonged stay in the ICU following open heart surgery is associated with adverse health and cost outcomes. There are varied factors that have been observed to influence ICU length of stay (LOS) following open heart surgery (OHS). However, these factors have not been studied in Uganda setting. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with prolonged ICU LOS following OHS at Uganda Heart Institute, Mulago. Methods: This was a retrospective study carried out at Uganda Heart Institute reviewing records of patients who had undergone OHS from January 2017 to July 2022. Factors associated with prolonged ICU LOS were determined using bi-variate and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 187 records were reviewed. The average ICU LOS following OHS was 4.2 days. 37% (69) patients had prolonged ICU LOS. The factors associated with prolonged ICU LOS included history of prior heart surgery (âRR=2.76), combined cardiac surgery (âRR=1.473), perioperative need for inotrope (âRR=2.09), in addition to acquired heart diseases (âRR=1.415). Conclusion: A significant number of patients experienced prolonged ICU LOS following OHS. The factors associated with prolonged stay included prior heart surgery, combined cardiac surgery, perioperative need for inotrope, and acquired heart disease.