Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint in healthy adults

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a rare disorder, and is usually associated with predisposing factors such as contiguous foci of infection, heroin addiction, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Three cases in previously healthy adults are reported here. The aetiology, clinical manifestations and treatment are briefly reviewed. The considerable difficulty in diagnosing this disorder in adults is emphasized. In summary, diagnosis of septic arthritis of the SCJ in adults requires a high index of suspicion, and must be considered not only in patients with predisposing factors, but also in previously healthy adults.     

Septic arthritis in patients aged 80 and older: a comparison with younger adults

OBJECTIVES: To compare the frequency and characteristics of septic arthritis in patients younger than 80 and aged 80 and older. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Single hospital center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients admitted between 1979 and 2002 for septic arthritis. MEASUREMENTS: Age, sex, time to diagnosis, predisposing factors, joint, temperature, white blood cell count, microorganism, and short-term outcome. RESULTS: Of 335 patients, 206 (61.4%) were aged 60 and older, and 42 (12.5%) were 80 and older. The latter had an average age of 84 (range 80-97) and were mainly women (72%). Eighteen of the 42 had at least one risk factor. The mean time to diagnosis was 21 days (range 1 day to 3 months). Twenty patients (47%) had knee involvement, six (14%) shoulder involvement, ten (23.8%) a prosthetic infection, and five (12%) polyarticular infection. Ten (23%) were afebrile. In half of the cases, there was no increase in white blood cell count. The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus (n=16, 38%), coagulase negative staphylococci (n=8, 19%), streptococci (n=12, 28%), and gram-negative bacilli (n=6, 14%). The mortality rate increased with age: 0.7% of patients younger than 60, 4.8% of those aged 60 to 79, and 9.5% of those aged 80 and older. CONCLUSION: Advanced age is a risk factor for septic arthritis and poor outcome.     

Septic arthritis with Listeria monocytogenes during low-dose methotrexate

Jansen TLThA, van Heereveld HAEM, Laan RFLM, Barrera P, van de Putte LBA (University Hospital Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands). Septic arthritis with Listeria monocytogenes during low-dose methotrexate (Case Report). J Intern Med 1998; 244 : 87–90.
We describe a 22-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus and lymphopenia, who developed septic arthritis of the right knee with Listeria monocytogenes type 1/2 A, whilst on low-dose methotrexate (MTX). So far, septic arthritis due to this microorganism has been reported in two other patients treated with low-dose MTX, one having rheumatoid arthritis and the other psoriatic arthritis. No reports exist on patients treated with other cytotoxic antirheumatic therapies.     

Septic arthritis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: salmonella and nonsalmonella infections compared

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical characteristics and outcome of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with septic arthritis. METHODS: In this 20-year retrospective study, we reviewed the charts of SLE patients with septic arthritis confirmed by synovial fluid analysis and culture. To identify risk factors for septic arthritis, data of SLE patients with septic arthritis were compared with data of 100 hospitalized SLE patients without septic arthritis. RESULTS: There were 10,732 inpatient records of 3,127 SLE patients; 29 SLE patients had septic arthritis. Their ages ranged from 14 to 68 years (mean, 35.1 +/- 14.1 years). The mean SLE duration before septic arthritis onset was 30.6 months. All patients received corticosteroids; 93% had active disease (SLEDAI > or = 4). Compared with controls, avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head was the most common predisposing articular disease (Odds ratio, 3.799;CI, 1.59 to 9.05). Of the 29 patients, 17 (59%) had salmonella infections and 12 (41%) had other infections. Salmonella-infected patients were younger (28.7 +/- 10.4 years) than those with nonsalmonella infections (44.1 +/- 14.0 years; P = 0.002). The hip was the most commonly affected joint, especially in the salmonella group, followed by the knees and ankles. Salmonella-infected patients were more prone to oligo-articular septic arthritis. The overall mortality rate was 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella enteritidis B is the most common pathogen causing septic arthritis in younger SLE patients. Septic arthritis tended to be oligo-articular and involve the hip joint. AVN of the femoral head was the most common predisposing articular disease. Once septic arthritis is suspected, culture specimens should be collected and appropriate antibiotics given immediately.     

Pericardial Tamponade Masquerading as Septic Shock

A 53-year-old man with steroid dependent rheumatoid arthritis presented with fever and serous articular drainage. Oral antibiotics were initially prescribed. Subsequent hemodynamic instability was attributed to septic shock. Further evaluation revealed a pericardial effusion with tamponade. Pericardiocentesis of purulent fluid promptly corrected the hypotension. Proteus mirabilis was later isolated from both the infected joint and the pericardial fluid. This is the first report of combined Proteus mirabilis septic arthritis and purulent pericarditis. It documents the potential for atypical transmission of Gram-negative pathogens, to the pericardium, in patients with a high likelihood of preexisting pericardial disease. In immunocompromised patients, the typical signs and symptoms of pericarditis may be absent, and the clinical presentation of pericardial tamponade may be misinterpreted as one of septic shock. This case underscores the value of a careful physical examination and proper interpretation of ancillary studies. It further illustrates the importance of initial antibiotic selection and the need for definitive treatment of septic arthritis in immunocompromised patients. Potential Financial Conflicts of Interest: The authors do not have any potential financial conflicts of interest to disclose.     

Septic arthritis in the adult caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae: a report of 4 cases and review of the literature

OBJECTIVES: To identify coexistent diseases, clinical features, approaches to management, and predictors of outcome in patients with pneumococcal septic arthritis. METHODS: Case series of 4 adults with Streptococcus pneumoniae septic arthritis seen at a university hospital, plus a review of 115 adults with pneumococcal septic arthritis reported in the medical literature from 1973 through 2003. RESULTS: Among our 4 patients, 3 had polyarticular infections, joint prostheses were involved in 1, 3 had underlying joint diseases, and 1 had concurrent meningitis. Infection was caused by penicillin-intermediate/cephalosporine-susceptible S pneumoniae in 1 patient and penicillin-resistant/cephalosporine-intermediate S. pneumoniae in 1 patient. After a mean treatment duration of 6 weeks, all patients were clinically cured of infection. Review of the literature identified 115 cases of S pneumoniae septic arthritis in adults. Clinical data were available for 107 patients. Twenty-nine cases were polyarticular (26%), joint prostheses were involved in 15 patients (13%), and 61 patients had underlying joint disease (57%). Meningitis was a concurrent infection in 15 cases. The presumed primary focus of infection was the respiratory tree in 44 patients. Ninety-six percent of cases were caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms. Cure of infection with survival was achieved in 83% (79 of 95) of patients with native joint septic arthritis and in 67% (8 of 12) of patients with prosthetic joint infection. A good functional outcome (full range of motion or return to baseline range of motion) after infection was achieved by 44 of 71 patients (62%) with native joint infection and by 4 of 7 patients (57%) with infections of prosthetic joints. The likelihood of cure of infection or good functional outcome was not influenced by method of joint drainage. CONCLUSIONS: S pneumoniae is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of septic arthritis in the adult. Many patients have underlying joint disease (especially rheumatoid arthritis) and coexistent alcoholism. Although most infections involve native joints, prosthetic joint infections comprise 13% of cases. Polyarticular disease occurs in approximately one quarter of patients. Most patients have a preceding or concurrent extra-articular focus of pneumococcal infection. To date, the majority of reported infections are caused by penicillin-susceptible organisms, so penicillin G or a third-generation cephalosporine such as ceftriaxone remains the appropriate treatment option. However, infection with drug-resistant organisms is likely to be an increasing problem in the future. With directed antimicrobial therapy and appropriate joint drainage, the outcome is generally good for patients with native joint infections. In contrast, only two thirds of patients with infections of prosthetic joints survive their infections. Approximately 40% of surviving patients experience functional impairment or chronic pain as a sequelae of their infection.     

Five‐and‐a‐half year study of 107 patients with septic arthritis in a general hospital in Singapore

Introduction: Septic arthritis (SA) damages synovial joints and causes considerable morbidity and mortality. We wanted to explore the patterns of presentation, risk factors, causative organisms and outcome of SA in Singapore. In particular, we were interested to see if increasing numbers of drug‐resistant organisms were changing the presentation and outcome of SA. Materials and methods: Patients with SA were identified using the computerized discharge diagnosis records. We retrospectively reviewed the case records of 107 patients with SA admitted from January 1995 to June 2000 to the Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Results: Amongst the patients studied, 42% were above 60 years of age, 51.4% experienced fever and 47% demonstrated an elevated eythrocyte sedimentation rate. The knee joint was the commonest joint involved (64.5%). Pre‐existent joint disease was present in 27.1% and prosthetic joints in 11.2%. Skin infection preceded SA in 19.6% of individuals and large numbers had coexistent medical diseases (43%) with diabetes (29%) and chronic cardiovascular disease. Staphylococcus aureus was the leading causative organism (51.7% of synovial fluid cultures) and 22.6% of these were methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Seven patients died (6.5%) and 62.3% had incomplete recovery. Using logistic regression, Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, isolation of Staphylococcus aureus from the synovial fluid and previous history of SA were shown to be independent risk factors for poorer outcome. Conclusion: Septic arthritis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We have identified clinical factors that may predict poorer outcomes in patients with SA.     

Septic arthritis in males with haemophilia

Summary.  We used data collected as part of the Universal Data Collection (UDC) surveillance project in haemophilia treatment centers (HTC) to study the incidence, risk factors and impact of septic arthritis among males with haemophilia. Patients participating in UDC on two or more occasions were included. Cases were defined as patients with documented joint infection. Characteristics of the cases were compared with those of haemophilia patients without infection. Among the 8026 eligible patients with 36 015 person-years of follow-up, 30 (0.37%) had a documented joint infection (incidence rate 83 per 100 000 person-years). In a logistic regression model, only increasing age (OR = 6.1 for age ≥30), race/ethnicity other than white (OR = 3.9), presence of inhibitor (OR = 3.9), invasive procedure in the past year (OR = 2.7) and presence of one or more target joints (OR = 3.2) remained statistically significant. Central venous access devices use and hepatitis C virus and HIV infection were not associated with septic arthritis risk after adjusting for potential confounders. Study limitations include possible underestimation of septic arthritis rate in this population and its retrospective design. We conclude that septic arthritis is an uncommon complication of haemophilia occurring primarily in joints most affected by bleeding and reparative surgical interventions.     

Septic arthritis: a second decade of experience

Aims: To review the diagnostic features, treatment and outcomes of all cases of septic arthritis presenting to a major Australian rheumatology unit, between 1982 and 1991. These were compared with the previous decade's experience Methods: The medical records of all cases of septic arthritis presenting to the Combined Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, The Rachel Forster Hospital between 1982 and 1991 were reviewed and compared with the experience of the previous decade (1971–1981). Results: Twenty-seven episodes of septic arthritis were diagnosed in 27 patients. There were 18 females and nine males. The average age was 62 (21–83) with three patients less than 30. Their rheumatological diagnoses were: rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 15, osteoarthritis in five, gout in two, and one each of mixed connective disease, sarcoid, tenosynovitis of the forearm, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, and non specific polyarthritis. Eleven patients were on oral corticosteroids. Four patients had intra-articular injections within two months of the onset of the septic episode. Sixteen out of 19 aspirates on the wards were positive. The organisms identified were Staphylococcus aureus in ten (one multiply resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus four, Mycobacterium three (one atypical), two Pseudomonas and one each of Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Gram negative bacillus. Five patients did not have a causative organism identified. The site of involvement and the causative organisms were similar in both decades. All patients received intravenous antibiotics for at least two weeks and oral antibiotics for at least another four weeks. Twenty-two per cent had regular aspirations on the wards and 26% had surgical drainage performed. Only 59% of all joints returned to good hnction. Fifty per cent of infected arthroplasties required arthrodesis and only a third of these returned to acceptable function. Conclusion: Septic arthritis in subjects with previous rheumatic disease continues to have a poor prognosis, especially in cases of infected arthroplasties. There has been no change in the types of causative organisms or sites of involvement over the last two decades.     

Clinical features and outcome of septic arthritis in a single UK Health District 1982-1991

AIMS: To determine the clinical features of a large number of unselected UK hospital patients with confirmed septic arthritis and to determine those features associated with a poor outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, case-note survey. SETTING: A single English Health District. PATIENTS: All patients admitted to hospital in Nottingham during the period 1 January 1982 to 31 December 1991 with confirmed septic arthritis were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: Death, osteomyelitis and recorded functional impairment. RESULTS: The spectrum of causative organisms remains similar to that seen in previous studies with the Gram positive organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococci responsible for 74% of cases, gonococcal infections though were less common. Culture of joint aspirates and or blood were positive in 82% of cases, with the Gram stain demonstrating the causative organism in 50% of cases. Pre-existing joint disease was evident in 35% of cases. The mortality remains high at 11.5% with a significant additional morbidity of 31.6%. Multivariate analysis suggests that important predictors of death are: confusion at presentation, age > or = 65 years, multiple joint sepsis or involvement of the elbow joint, and of morbidity are: age > or = 65 years, diabetes mellitus, open surgical drainage, and Gram positive infections other than S aureus. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis continues to be associated with a considerable degree of morbidity and mortality. These results confirm the importance of obtaining synovial fluid and blood for culture before starting antimicrobial treatment. The apparent poorer outcome found with surgical intervention is in line with some previous suggestions but should be interpreted with caution in light of the retrospective nature of this study.     

Acute childhood hemiplegia

A 10-year-old child presented to the emergency department with a sudden onset of right hemiparesis and dysphasia. A thorough evaluation, including CT scan of the brain and cerebral angiography, resulted in a diagnosis of acute childhood hemiplegia. The diagnosis of acute childhood hemiplegia depends on characteristic cerebral angiographic findings. The treatment of this particular entity is supportive, often with incomplete recovery.     

Analysis of childhood reactive arthritis and comparison with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

There is currently no agreement on how to classify and diagnose reactive arthritis (ReA) and what kind of clinical and laboratory findings are specific for the diagnosis. This study retrospectively analyzed the initial clinical manifestations and laboratory findings in children diagnosed with ReA and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). A comparison was also made between these two groups to see if there were differences. A retrospective chart review was performed and 44 patients diagnosed with ReA and 80 patients with JIA were enrolled in this study. Their initial clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were also analyzed and compared. The initial clinical manifestations in ReA were analyzed including the demographic data, the preceding infection history, the duration of the infectious episode to the onset of arthritis, the duration of arthritic symptoms, and the involved joint pattern. Comparison of the initial laboratory findings between patients with ReA and JIA showed significant differences between erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) in the first hour, platelet counts (p<0.05), and ESR in the second hour (p=0.052). Further, comparing ReA with the subtypes of JIA, significant differences were noted between ReA and the systemic type in terms of hemoglobin level, platelet counts, C-reactive protein, and first and second hour ESR (p<0.05). However, if compared with the polyarticular or pauciarticular type, only the platelet counts showed any significant statistical difference (p<0.05). This study summarizes clinical experiences in ReA. The differences in laboratory findings of ReA and JIA may provide a clue in making a differential diagnosis.     

Pneumococcal septic arthritis as the initial presentation of multiple myeloma

Septic arthritis induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon manifestation of pneumococcal infection. Pneumococcus has been identified as the inciting pathogen in only 6% of cases of septic arthritis in recent retrospective studies (Ross et al., 2003). Approximately 50% of patients with pneumococcal septic arthritis have a preceding or concurrent extra-articular focus of infection. The septic joint evolves from hematogenous seeding of the highly vascular synovial membrane by bacteria. Polyarticular disease occurs in only approximately 36% of patients. Most pneumococcal septic arthritis occurs with coexistant joint disease, prosthesis, alcoholism, HIV infection, or rheumatoid arthritis (Baraboutis & Skoutelis, 2004; Raad & Peacock, 2004). We report a case of polyarticular septic arthritis as the first manifestation of an underlying disease. Our literature review discloses that this is the first reported case of multiple myeloma initially presenting as pneumococcal septic arthritis in the USA and the third internationally (Cuesta et al., 1992; Renou et al., 2007).     

Septic arthritis of the right ankle caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with etanercept

Abstract

We report on a 65-year-old man with rheumatoid arthritis who developed septic arthritis of the right ankle and was treated with etanercept, low-dosage prednisolone, and salazosulfapyridine for 18 weeks. Staphylococcus aureus was cultured from ankle synovial fluid; hence, etanercept was stopped and cefazolin was administered. The patient responded well to arthroscopic synovectomy and irrigation of the ankle. Etanercept treatment should cease if it leads to septic arthritis and patients should be prescribed systemic antibiotics, with surgical debridement considered.     

Septic arthritis: clinical audits would help optimise the management

We audited management of septic arthritis (SA) in our institution comparing them with the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) guidelines and also ascertained awareness regarding these guidelines among trainee doctors. All adult patients who were admitted to our institution between January 2005 and December 2006 with symptoms and signs of SA and had positive synovial fluid culture were included, and a structured proforma was used to extract the relevant information from the case notes and laboratory tests. Management of 21 patients with SA was audited. In several areas (such as appropriate samples for cultures prior to initiation of antibiotics and use of inflammatory markers in monitoring the response to treatment), management of both native and prosthetic joint SA fell short of compliance with the BSR guidelines. A total of 58% trainee doctors surveyed were unaware of these guidelines. Our audit identified deficiencies in standards of care of SA. Lack of awareness regarding these guidelines contributes to the suboptimal care of patients with SA. Wider dissemination of the BSR guidelines with similar audits being a starting point would help in optimising the management of SA.     

类风湿关节炎治疗药物对心血管病变影响的研究进展

类风湿关节炎(RA)是一种常见的慢性自身免疫性疾病,各个系统都可受累。RA患者患心血管系统疾病(CVD)的风险要明显高于一般人群,其危险因素包括常见的心血管病变危险因素,如肥胖、高血压、糖尿病及吸烟等,同时亦与RA的慢性炎症、抗风湿药物的应用有关。众多研究表明,抗风湿药物的应用可提高疾病缓解率,但有些药物可能会增加CVD的风险,还有一些不改变或者可降低CVD风险。本文主要综述了治疗RA常用药物对CVD风险的影响,以期为临床用药提供参考。     

Clinical problem‐solving: ‘persistent knee arthritis and prolonged fever in a lupus patient’

Salmonella infections occur more frequently among immunocompromised patients such as those with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with high propensity for extra‐intestinal, including osteoarticular, involvement. Hemarthrosis following trauma, typhoid fever and septic arthritis of the knee developed in a 20‐year‐old female lupus patient with pulmonary hypertension, maintained on corticosteroids and warfarin. This article takes the reader through the clinical problem‐solving process with an SLE patient whose illness is confounded by prolonged fever, with manifestations indistinguishable from that of either lupus activity and/or an infection. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotics, and if necessary, surgical intervention are essential principles of management to improve prognosis and prevent long‐term disabilities such as destructive arthropathy.