Study objective To determine how risk factors could be combined to best predict the
development of a postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) following abdominal surgery.
Design Prospective model-building study. Logistic regression models were developed using
significant risk factors identified in the univariate analysis. Setting Four midwestern hospitals.
Patients Convenience sample of 400 patients who underwent abdominal surgical
procedures between January 1993 and August 1995. Measurements and results …