Spontaneous septic arthritis complicating rheumatoid arthritis

Thirteen cases (in twelve patients) of septic arthritis complicating rheumatoid arthritis are reported. One ankle, one metacarpopophalangeal joint, one shoulder, and ten knees were involved. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from twelve joints and Escherichia coli, from one. Treatment consisted of repeated needle aspirations in two patients, arthrotomy with Penrose drainage in six, and arthrotomy with through-and-through irrigation in four. Needle aspiration was the least effective therapy. The authors recommend as the treatment of choice: systemic antibiotic therapy and immediate arthrotomy followed by through-and-through irrigation with fluid containing the appropriate antibiotics.     

Management of septic bursitis

Superficial septic bursitis is common, although accurate incidence data are lacking. The olecranon and prepatellar bursae are the sites most often affected. Whereas the clinical diagnosis of superficial bursitis is readily made, differentiating aseptic from septic bursitis usually requires examination of aspirated bursal fluid. Ultrasonography is useful both for assisting in the diagnosis and for guiding the aspiration. Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for 80% of cases of superficial septic bursitis. Deep septic bursitis is uncommon and often diagnosed late. The management of septic bursitis varies considerably across centers, notably regarding the use of surgery. Controlled trials are needed to establish standardized recommendations regarding antibiotic treatment protocols and the indications of surgery.     

Antibiotic Containing Bone Cement Beads in the Treatment of Deep Muscle and Skeletal Infections

Forty-eight cases of chronic osteomyelitis or bacterial arthritis operated on with eradication of infections lesions were randomly treated either by insertion of suction-irrigation drainage or by implantation of gentamicin beads. the average follow-up time was 2 years.

There was no difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups. the gentamicin treated patients were however more easily cared for as the suction-irrigation drainage required constant attention.

Local temporary treatment with gentamicin beads should be used in cases of deep gram—negative muscle and skeletal infections where it would otherwise be necessary to give toxic antibiotics.     

Continuous suction and intermittent irrigation for septic coxitis

This prospective study was undertaken on 42 children with septic arthritis of the hip diagnosed within 5 days of onset of symptoms. The mode of treatment used was continuous catheter suction and intermittent saline irrigation of the hip joint together with parenteral antibiotics. All but 4 children responded to this treatment; 2 of these were less than 3 years old. We conclude that continuous suction-irrigation is effective in children older than 3 years very early in the course of the disease; the majority need not undergo arthrotomy.     

Continuous suction and intermittent irrigation for septic coxitis

This prospective study was undertaken on 42 children with septic arthritis of the hip diagnosed within 5 days of onset of symptoms. The mode of treatment used was continuous catheter suction and intermittent saline irrigation of the hip joint together with parenteral antibiotics. All but 4 children responded to this treatment; 2 of these were less than 3 years old. We conclude that continuous suction-irrigation is effective in children older than 3 years very early in the course of the disease; the majority need not undergo arthrotomy.     

Septic bursitis: experience in a community practice

We reviewed 47 episodes of septic bursitis occurring in a private community medical practice. Most patients were male (85%), and roughly half (49%) the cases were related to recreational or occupational trauma. About 72% of cases were located in the olecranon bursa, while the remaining cases were prepatellar. Prepatellar bursitis patients were more likely to be hospitalized. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 70% of bursal fluid aspirations; other etiologic organisms included gram negative bacteria and Mycobacterium marinum. The majority of patients were able to be treated as outpatients with oral antibiotics. All patients were eventually cured without serious complications.     

Diagnosis and results of different treatment regimes in patients with spinal abscesses

Summary Bacterial abscesses involving the spinal canal are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Most frequently, these lesions are found in the epidural, rarely in the subdural space. In this report, our clinical material consists of a series of 16 patients treated during the last seven years.The clinical presentation included local neurological signs (back pain, para-/tetraparesis, bladder dysfunction), disturbances of consciousness (ranging from drowsiness to deep coma) and general inflammatory signs (meningism, fever). All patients presented with risk factors (septic foci, chronic diseases, and iatrogenic causes). Laboratory investigations revealed typically pathological blood sedimentation rate, leucocytosis and CSF-pleocytosis. Radiologically, the diagnosis was confirmed by myelography, CT and preferably MRI. The abscesses were located epidurally in 14 and subdurally in 2 cases. The surgical treatment included laminectomy, or multiple flavectomies in extensive lesions. Drainage systems (either simple silicon outflow drains or suction-/irrigation systems) were installed in all cases, as well as antibiotic treatment.Results of treatment: Following an observation period of 0,5–6 years, we found complete recovery in six (38%) cases, six (38%) others were mildly disabled and four (25%) patients died.Focussing on the results of the two different drainage systems, we found a statistically significant superiority of the inflow-/outflow system.Complications included mandatory re-exploration, post-inflammatory hydrocephalus, syringomyelia, spinal instability, surgical treatment of peripheral septic foci and therapy resistant septicaemia.In conclusion, we propose that spinal epi-or subdural abscesses require surgical evacuation, using a suction-/irrigation drainage system, as well as antibiotic and intensive care treatment.     

Microsurgical management of postoperative disc space infection

We analysed seventeen patients with septic postoperative spondylodiscitis (POD) who were managed by early microsurgical removal of the infected necrotic tissue, application of a closed suction-irrigation system (for a mean of 6.7 days), and early mobilisation. The POD was diagnosed clinically by elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) values and radiographically by computerised tomography scanning or magnetic resonance imaging. According to the sensitivity studies of the obtained pathogens, systemic antibiotics were given, followed by early mobilisation of all patients in a light cast corset. Immediate pain relief was noted in all patients except one, who required a third operation that was followed by rapid clinical improvement. Bacteriological diagnosis was obtained in 88% of the patients. Excellent or good clinical long-term results were achieved in 82% of the patients, whereas 18% had poor results. Elevated ESR/CRP values returned to normal ranges within 6 to 44 days (mean 15 days) after reoperation. All but one patient tolerated early mobilisation (within 2 to 4 weeks) well without any complication. Early microsurgical removal of the necrotic and infected tissue and application of a closed suction-irrigation system supported by specific antibiotic therapy should be considered an effective means to treat POD, thereby avoiding a prolonged period of unpleasant immobilisation for the patient.     

经皮肾镜取石术后感染性休克的高危因素分析

目的探讨经皮肾镜取石术(PCNL)后感染性休克的高危因素。方法回顾性分析自2008年5月至2011年10月本中心进行的266例行PCNL患者的临床资料,所有病例术前均行中段尿细菌培养和常规抗生素预防治疗。通过卡方检验分析评估尿培养结果和使用抗生素天数对术后感染性休克的影响。结果 266例行PCNL的患者中,9例术后出现感染性休克(3.4%),中段尿培养阳性者106例(66.3%),术前使用抗生素进行预防性抗炎治疗大于3天者93例(35%)。尿培养阳性患者,革兰阴性菌感染87例(82%),革兰阳性菌15例(14.2%),混合菌群4例(3.8%)。卡方分析显示尿培养阳性和抗生素使用不足3天与感染性休克明显相关(P<0.05),比值比(OR)分别为5.041和6.959。结论中段尿培养阳性和术前使用抗生素不足3天是感染性休克的高危因素,尿路感染中革兰阴性菌是最主要致病菌群。经皮肾镜取石术术前进行中段尿细菌培养,根据药敏结果选用敏感抗生素预防治疗>3天,对预防术后感染性休克十分有必要。     

Primary Pyomyositis of the muscles around the hip. case reports and literature review

The authors present three case reports of primary pyomyositis, a severe but rare disorder involving the muscles around the hip. In three boys, with an average age of 16 years, the disease developed suddenly in association with strenuous sporting activities. The boys had fever, pain and restricted motion at hip joints, haemoculture tests positive for Staphylococcus aureus and the presence of inflammatory markers. Magnetic resonance findings showed infiltrates and abscesses in the muscles around the hip. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) examination of the pelvis revealed bone irregularities near the pubic symphysis due to repeated avulsion injury to the medial group of the thigh muscles in two boys, and a fresh avulsion of the anterior inferior iliac spine in one boy. This patient developed reactive synovitis of the hip and iliopectineal bursitis. All three patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy, first with broad-spectrum and then with specific anti-staphylococcus antibiotics, for 2 to 3 months. Repeated puncture and drainage of the abscesses under CT guidance was performed in one patient; repeated surgery with abscess removal was necessary in two patients. The early diagnosis and combined conservative and surgical treatment prevented development of the third, septic stage of this disease which is commonly associated with serious complications.     

The treatment of chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis

Eighty-five patients with a total of 103 foci of chronic hematogenous osteomyelitis were treated in the period from 1965-1982. Only patients who had been followed for two or more years of treatment were included in the series for evaluation. All foci were treated surgically with thorough debridement. According to the management of the wounds, patients were divided into three groups: wound healing by secondary intention in cases where skin closure was impossible; primary closure of wound with or without pedicle muscle transfer in cases of a small debrided cavity or in cases where a nearby skeletal muscle is available; and closed irrigation and suction drainage of the wound cavity. After a long-term follow-up period, satisfactory results to varying degrees were obtained in each group. Closed intermittent irrigation and suction drainage with high concentrations of antibiotic solutions gave the best results. In instances of failure, the causes may be due to inadequate removal of infected sclerotic bone and sequestra, obstruction of drainage tubes, resistance to antibiotics, or inadequate systemic antibiotic treatment. The use of myocutaneous flap transference to close the postoperative wound of chronic osteomyelitis was introduced, and preliminary results are encouraging.     

Compartmental infections of the hand.

Suppurative conditions of the hand-wrist compartments result in a "vicious circle" of infection and increase in compartmental pressure that reduces perfusion of soft tissues and facilitates spreading of the infection. We have assessed the outcome of such infections in relation to the infecting pathogen, delay in diagnosis, and method of treatment. Fifty-nine patients were treated with drainage, irrigation, and antibiotics and followed up for 6-58 (median 18) months. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 29 of 39 cultures (74%) that grew pathogens. At the latest follow-up results were excellent in 49 cases. Sixteen required reoperation or readmission. There was a significant association between final range of movement (ROM) and extent of infection (p=0.01). The type of pathogen was also significantly associated with a worse outcome (p=0.03 for ROM, p=0.04 for DASH). These infections have poor results when treatment is delayed or inadequate, as a result of the extended infection, inadequate drainage or inappropriate antibiotic treatment of certain types of bacteria.     

Successful treatment of total hip and knee infection with articulating antibiotic components: a modified treatment method

There are many problems associated with the use of articulating antibiotic cement spacer blocks and articulating components in the two-stage treatment of total hip replacement and total knee replacement infections. These include loss of motion during and after treatment, bone loss, generation of cement debris, inadequate dosing of cement with the appropriate antibiotic, and biologic failure. Forty-four patients with 54 consecutive periprosthetic hip and knee infections (31 septic total knee arthroplasties and 23 septic total hip arthroplasties) had treatment with a modified two-stage reimplantation protocol using articulating components made of antibiotic-cement-only prosthetic components and antibiotic-cement-covered prosthetic components between January 1995 and May 2002. Second-stage revision, after six weeks of parenteral antibiotics, was completed an average of 84 days after the first stage. A minimum two-year followup after final treatment is evaluated. One of the 23 total hip replacement infections persisted or recurred with the original organism(s) after treatment (95.7% success) as did two of the 31 total knee replacement infections (93.5% success). Combined success rate was 94.4%. This modified treatment method incorporates early range of motion during first-stage treatment with articulating components that provide local high-dose elution of broad-spectrum antibiotics, provides the flexibility of customizing the antibiotic cement components with culture-directed antibiotics, and results in a high biologic success rate.     

Antibiotic therapy in Italy. Current data and proposals for the future

Data concerning antibiotic therapy in italian ICUs are presented. These data were not directly measured: they have been derived from a previous study on costs of intensive care treatments. 78% of 1065 patients received antibiotic therapy. Empirical therapy was started in 82% of septic patients. 93% of septic patients had at least one antibiogram. In 96% of cases, 2 or more antibiotics were given. 85% of surgical non septic patients received antibiotic prophylaxis for an average of 3.6 days, with a 3rd generation cephalosporin in the majority of cases. 60% of medical non septic patients received antibiotic prophylaxis for an average of 6.2 days, mostly with a 3rd generation cephalosporin. These data raise doubts about the proper use of prophylaxis. These data can be considered a useful starting point for the development of a program of surveillance of infections in Italian ICUs.     

Infected prosthetic grafts. Local therapy with graft preservation

Three cases of infected vascular prosthesis in the groin were treated successfully with antibiotics, local debridement, and continuous irrigation of the area with the appropriate antibiotic solution. We describe a system developed to permit steady instillation of antibiotic solution and complete drainage by suction to remove serous and necrotic material. In selected cases of infected vascular grafts, when they have not thrombosed, aggressive local and systemic therapy may control the infection and permit salvage of the prosthesis.     

Chemotherapy of acute bone and joint infections.

A series of 72 cases of acute osteomyelitis and acute septic arthritis has been presented. Operative intervention was necessary in 71% of our cases. All patients were treated with antibiotics. The initial antibiotic treatment in 39% of the cases was a combination of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). This combination gave the lowest average time for subsidence of general symptoms and local signs. Staphylococcus aureus was the causative organism in 87% of our cases. Streptococcus pyogenes and Pneumococcus were the other causative organisms. Over half of the S. aureus infections were resistant to penicillin but none were resistant to TMP/SMX. Considering the low toxicity, good clinical response, lack of bacterial resistance, presence of synergy and broad antibacterial spectrum, the use of TMP/SMX is recommended in acute pyogenic bone and joint infections.     

Stratified duration of prophylactic antimicrobial treatment in emergency abdominal surgery. Metronidazole-fosfomycin vs. metronidazole-gentamicin in 381 patients

Consecutive adult patients requiring emergency abdominal surgery were randomly allocated to preoperative treatment with metronidazole-gentamicin (M-G) or metronidazole-fosfomycin (M-F). Postoperative continuation of antibiotics depended on the estimated risk of septic complications. Peroperatively the cases were stratified as group A, acute inflamed appendicitis, or absence of septic disorder--no postoperative antibiotics, group B, gangrenous appendicitis or cholecystitis or intestinal obstruction without resection, or operations with contamination regarded as minor (gastrotomy or enterotomy)--three further doses of antibiotics, or group C, perforated appendicitis, perforation of the alimentary tract, generalized peritonitis or gross contamination--antibiotics continued for 5 days. Assessment for septic complications was made in 381 patients (191 M-G, 190 M-F). The total incidence was 4.8% (M-G 7.8%, M-F 1.6%, p less than 0.01). The difference was mainly due to higher infection rate in patients stratified to group C and randomized to M-G. Stratification thus permitted restricted duration of antibiotic treatment with a low septic complication rate, significantly less with M-F than with M-G regimen.     

Staphylococcal septic arthritis: Antibiotic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment in a rabbit model

This study evaluated the effects of combining antibiotic therapy with the application of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug on the degradation of articular cartilage for an animal model of Staphylococcal septic arthritis. Rabbits were infected intra-articularly with Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotic treatment started 18 hours after infection and continued for 7 days. Treatment with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen sodium started 24 hours before infection and continued for either 3 or 7 weeks. The cartilage matrix of uninfected and infected knees was quantified by analysis of glycosaminoglycan and collagen content. Three weeks after infection, the combined treatment of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and antibiotics reduced the loss of glycosaminoglycan and collagen from the cartage of the infected knee by 15 and 30%, respectively, compared with antibiotic treatment alone. Continuing treatment with naproxen sodium for 7 weeks reduced the loss of collagen by 50% when compared with antibiotic treatment alone. The longer period of treatment with naproxen sodium showed little further effect on the loss of glycosaminoglycan than that observed for the 3-week treatment. Treatment with this drug and antibiotics reduced swelling of the knee and levels of prostaglandin E₂ in the synovial fluid. The data support the hypothesis that decreasing post-infectious inflammation by adding the drug to a standard antibiotic regimen reduces cartilage damage from Staphylococcal septic arthritis.     

Outcome of arthroscopic drainage and debridement with continuous suction irrigation technique in acute septic arthritis

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical course and functional outcome of acute septic arthritis treated by arthroscopic drainage and debridement with continuous suction irrigation.

Methods

Eighteen subsequent cases of acute septic arthritis of hip and knee were included in this study. Complete hemogram, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), blood sugar, liver and kidney function test was done. Plain radiographs and ultrasound of affected joints were done. Joint aspirate was analyzed for gram staining, AFB staining, culture/sensitivity, biochemistry and cytology. Quantitative CRP was repeated every third day till normal CRP level was noted. Intravenous cloxacillin 25–50 mg/kg was started according to WHO protocol and was later changed to specific antibiotics after culture reports. Arthroscopic drainage and debridement of joints was done through standard portals and two tubes were placed in each joint for continuous suction and irrigation. Continuous suction irrigation was used till the effluent saline from the joint was clear. Functional outcome was documented as per Harris hip score for hips and Lysholm score for knee joint. Scoring was done before surgery, at one month and at three months. The duration of intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization was recorded.

Results

Out of eighteen cases 83.33% were males and 14.67% females. The mean age was 22 years (±12.01). The mean duration of symptoms was 4.33 days (±1.41). According to Gachter classification 88.88% of cases were stage 2 infection and 11.12% cases in stage 1 at the time of arthroscopy. The mean duration of hospital stay was 14.61 days (±4.01). Intravenous antibiotics were given for a mean period of 9.33 days (±2.16). The mean pre-operative Harris score was 13.6 (±2.07) which improved to 98 (±1.87) at 3 months and all the cases had painless normal range of movements. Mean pre-operative Lysholm score was 38.38 (±4.29) and it improved to 98.84 (±2.19) at 3 months. There were no sequelae of septic arthritis in any case.

Conclusion

Early arthroscopic decompression and debridement of septic arthritis with continuous suction irrigation can eradicate the infection. The duration of intravenous antibiotics and the hospital stay required is shorter. The functional outcome of joints is satisfactory.     

Early open thoracotomy and mediastinopleural irrigation for severe descending necrotizing mediastinitis.

OBJECTIVE: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a severe infection spreading from the cervical region to the mediastinal connective tissue. The mortality rate was reported as 40% until the 1980s. Since DNM is uncommon, few reports of large series of patients with DNM (i.e. more than 10 cases) have been published. The present aim was to evaluate our treatment strategy for DNM by retrospective chart review. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed in 10 patients with DNM between 1991 and 2003. The mean age was 53.8+/-23.3 years (median 58, range 16-82). The causes of DNM were primary peritonsillar or parapharyngeal abscess in 5 patients, post-extraction odontogenic abscess in 3, cervical abscess of post-tracheostomy in 1, and unknown in 1 patient. In nine cases, the abscess extended from the cervical region to the lower mediastinum. Immediately after the diagnosis of DNM, broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered empirically, and surgical treatments consisting of cervical drainage, thoracotomy with radical surgical debridement of the mediastinum and excision of necrotic tissue, decortication, and irrigation were performed in all cases. Post-operatively, mediastinopleural irrigation with saline was performed once or twice a day until a culture of pleural effusion became negative. RESULTS: The mean duration of chest tube retention was 26.7+/-17.0 days, and the mean hospital stay was 62.3+/-33.9 days. Five patients suffered from severe complications including septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and pan-peritonitis due to duodenal perforation. The outcome was favorable in 8 patients. Of those with severe complications, two patients, who were older than 75 and had diabetes, died of multiple organ failure due to septic shock. Therefore, the mortality rate was 20%. CONCLUSION: Our treatment strategy for severe DNM was efficacious for early treatment and reduced the mortality rate. Early detection of DNM, and immediate thoracotomy and irrigation of the mediastinum and thoracic cavity, are recommended.