Science Forum
Incidence and Distribution of Early Postoperative Fever in Three Hospitals in Al-Muthanna Governorate, Iraq: A Prospective Multicenter Exploratory Study
By Zaid Ali Majeed and AHMED ABBAS HASAN.
Abstract
Background
Early postoperative fevers are common and are often due to an inflammatory response related to surgical tissue injury rather than infection. However, the frequency rates vary according to patient population, procedure type, definition of fever and intensity of monitoring. In a purpose to estimate the incidence and distribution of fever within the first 48 h after surgery, this study gathered knowledge at three hospitals in southern Iraq.
Methods
A multicenter single-arm prospective observational study of 98 patients on elective or emergency surgery was undertaken from 10 December 2021 to 10 April 2022. Body temperature (°C) was measured at least twice daily on postoperative days 1 and 2 with standardized electronic thermometer orally. Fever was defined as any oral temperature of ≥38·0 °C within 48 h. Frequencies, percentages and Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to summarize results. All analyses were descriptive for procedures and ages with small strata; sex differences tested using Fisher's exact test.