Which of the following is a major risk factor for sternal wound infection?

Diabetes and obesity are recognized as major risk factors for sternal wound infection following cardiac surgery. Patients with diabetes often experience impaired wound healing due to factors like poor blood circulation and higher levels of glucose in their blood, which can impede the body's normal healing processes. Obesity contributes to sternal wound infections as well, as excess body weight can lead to increased tissue tension, impaired lymphatic drainage, and a more extensive incision area that is more susceptible to infection.

Therefore, the combination of these two conditions makes patients significantly more vulnerable to developing sternal wound infections postoperatively. Understanding these risks is critical for healthcare providers when planning preoperative care and postoperative monitoring to minimize complications. This awareness can inform strategies such as enhanced glycemic control and weight management before surgery, which may ultimately improve surgical outcomes and reduce the incidence of infections.