Fungal periprosthetic joint infection: Rare but challenging problem / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most difficult complication following total joint arthroplasty. Most of the etiological strains, accounting for over 98% of PJI, are bacterial species, with Staphylococcusaureus and Coagulase-negative staphylococci present in between 50% and 60% of all PJIs. Fungi, though rare, can also cause PJI in 1%-2% of cases and can be challenging to manage. The management of this uncommon but complex condition is challenging due to the absence of a consistent algorithm. Diagnosis of fungal PJI is difficult as isolation of the organisms by traditional culture may take a long time, and some of the culture-negative PJI can be caused by fungal organisms. In recent years, the introduction of next-generation sequencing has provided opportunity for isolation of the infective organisms in culture-negative PJI cases. The suggested treatment is based on consensus and includes operative and non-operative measures. Two-stage revision surgery is the most reliable surgical option for chronic PJI caused by fungi. Pharmacological therapy with antifungal agents is required for a long period of time with antibiotics and included to cover superinfections with bacterial species. The aim of this review article is to report the most up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of fungal PJI with the intention of providing clear guidance to clinicians, researchers and surgeons.

Infecciones osteoarticulares en niños / Osteoarticular infections in children

Las infecciones osteorticulares (IOA) en el niño son una causa importante de morbilidad y secuelas. Su pesquisa oportuna y el tratamiento eficiente pueden lograr excelentes resultados. La mejoría en las condiciones de salud de la población, y el cambio de los agentes etiológicos han variado la forma de presentación y tratamiento. La existencia de gérmenes como Kingella kingae y Staphilococcus aureus multiresistente, contribuyen a la variabilidad de presentación de las infecciones osteoarticulares.El manejo de estas patologías requiere de un conocimiento del cuadro clínico, de los métodos de diagnóstico y las herramientas terapéuticas. Para obtener buenos resultados es requisito básico el enfrentamiento de estos pacientes en un equipo multidisciplinario de especialistas.En este manuscrito revisaremos los aspectos fundamentales de las infecciones osteoarticulares, según el enfoque que aplicamos en nuestros pacientes.

Osteoarticular infections are a substantial cause of morbidity and sequelae in children. Early diagnosis and efficient treatment can achieve excellent results. The improvement in the health conditions of the population and the change in the etiological agents have produced changes in their presentation and their required treatment. The existence of germs like Kingella kingae and Staphilococcus aureus multiresistant contribute to the variability of presentation of osteoarticular infections.The appropriate management of these pathologies requires knowledge of the clinical picture, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic tools. To obtain good results, it is a basic requirement that these patients be confronted by a multidisciplinary team of specialists.In this manuscript we will review the most fundamental aspects of osteoarticular infections according to the approach we apply to our patients

Management algorithm for septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the experience in the diagnosis and management of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.@*METHODS@#A retrospective review was conducted of all the arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions performed at Department of Sports Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital between January 2001 and December 2020. In the study, 65 of 27 867 patients experienced postoperative septic arthritis. The incidence, presentation, laboratory results, treatment, and outcome of all the infected patients were analyzed. The experiences of diagnosis and management of septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction were summarized.@*RESULTS@#A total of 27 867 anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions were performed at our department between January 2001 and December 2020. In the study, 65 (0.23%) patients were identified with postoperative septic arthritis. The most common symptoms of the infected patients were fever (38.7±0.5) ℃, knee swelling, pain, and restricted motion. The mean peripheral white blood cell count (WBC) was (9.2±2.6)×109/L (range 4.2×109/L-19.4×109/L), with (72.5±6.3) % (range 54.9%-85.1%) polymorphonuclear neutrophils (N). The mean erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was (59.9±24.1) mm/h (range 9-108 mm/h), C-reactive protein (CRP) was (10.9±5.7) mg/dL (range 1.2-30.8 mg/dL), and fibrinogen (FIB) level was (7.0±1.6) g/L (range 3.7-10.8 g/L). All of the laboratory results were statistically higher in the infection group compared with the normal postoperative group (P＜0.001). The synovial white blood cell count (SWBC) of aspirated knee joint fluid was (45.0±29.8)×109/L (range 7.1×109-76.5×109/L). Polymorphonuclear cell percentage (PMNC) was (90.27±7.86) % (range 60%-97%). In the study, 45 patients (69.2%) had positive aspirate cultures. Microbiology showed coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) and Staphylococcus aureus (SA) were the most common bacterium (34 cases and 7 cases, individually). There were 26 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus. Both conservative (16 patients) and operative (49 patients) treatments were effective, but conservative group had a longer recovery time (5.6 d vs. 1.6 d, P=0.042).@*CONCLUSION@#Septic arthritis after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is a rare but potentially devastating complication. The correct diagnosis relies on synovial fluid analysis and bacterial culture. Our proposed treatment protocol is arthroscopic debridement and antibiotic therapy as quickly as possible.

A rare cause of vertebral osteomyelitis: the first case report of rat-bite fever in Portugal

Abstract Rat-bite fever is a rarely diagnosed illness caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis . Although this disease is distributed worldwide, there have been few cases reported in Europe. Here, we report a case of vertebral osteomyelitis and sternoclavicular septic arthritis caused by S. moniliformis in a Portuguese patient previously bitten by a rat. Laboratory diagnosis was performed using molecular identification. This is the first case report of rat-bite fever in Portugal. The case described here serves as a reminder for physicians to consider this diagnosis in patients who have developed fever syndromes after being in contact with rodents.

Acometimento pulmonar e articular secundário à síndrome de Lemierre: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Pulmonary and joint involvement secondary to Lemierre syndrome: case report and literature review

A síndrome de Lemierre caracteriza-se por uma rara entidade que gera tromboflebite da veia jugular interna e embolismo séptico em história da infecção recente da orofaringe, além de sinais radiológicos e isolamento de patógenos anaeróbicos, principalmente Fusobacterium necrophorum. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 13 anos de idade, com histórico de carcinoma de nasofaringe associado ao vírus Epstein-Barr (estadiamento T4N2M0), submetida a procedimentos cirúrgicos e quimiorradioterapia. Iniciou com queixa de mialgia intensa, diplopia, lesões infectadas em membros e choque séptico. Por meio de exames de ultrassonografia cervical com Doppler colorido e tomografia computadorizada de pescoço com contraste endovenoso, foram identificados trombos intraluminais na veia jugular interna, além de trombos sépticos pulmonares, por meio da tomografia computadorizada de tórax. Posteriormente, ainda evoluiu com artrite piogênica coxofemoral esquerda. Foi isolada, por hemocultura, a bactéria Klebsiella pneumoniae Carpemenase, e o tratamento se deu pela associação entre vancomicina, amicacina, meropenem, metronidazol e anfotericina B. Conclui-se que, após o diagnóstico de SL e, embora com múltiplas complicações e diagnóstico tardio, a paciente encontra-se bem e assintomática, além do relato comprovar a dificuldade diagnóstica e de seu tratamento

Lemierre's syndrome is a rare condition that leads to thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septic embolism following recent oropharyngeal infection, being characterized by radiological signs and isolation of anaerobic pathogens, especially Fusobacterium necrophorum. We report the case of a 13-year-old female patient with history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus (T4N2M0 staging), who underwent surgical procedures and chemoradiotherapy. Her initial complaint was severe myalgia, diplopia, infected limb injuries, and septic shock. Cervical color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography scan of the neck with intravenous contrast showed intraluminal thrombi in the internal jugular vein, and chest computed tomography showed pulmonary septic thrombi. Subsequently, she progressed with left coxofemoral pyogenic arthritis. The bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae Carpemenase was isolated in blood culture, and the patient was treated with the association of vancomycin, amikacin, meropenem, metronidazole, and amphotericin B. It is concluded that, despite the multiple complications and late diagnosis, the patient is well and asymptomatic after the diagnosis of Lemierre's syndrome; in addition, the report proves the difficulty of diagnosis and treatme

Multidrug resistant bacteria isolated from septic arthritis in horses / Bactérias multirresistentes isoladas de artrite séptica equina

Septic arthritis is a debilitating joint infectious disease of equines that requires early diagnosis and immediate therapeutic intervention to prevent degenerative effects on the articular cartilage, as well as loss of athletic ability and work performance of the animals. Few studies have investigated the etiological complexity of this disease, as well as multidrug resistance of isolates. In this study, 60 horses with arthritis had synovial fluid samples aseptically collected, and tested by microbiological culture and in vitro susceptibility test (disk diffusion) using nine antimicrobials belonging to six different pharmacological groups. Bacteria were isolated in 45 (75.0%) samples, as follows: Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (11=18.3%), Escherichia coli (9=15.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (6=10.0%), Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (5=8.3%), Staphylococcus intermedius (2=3.3%), Proteus vulgaris (2=3.3%), Trueperella pyogenes (2=3.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2=3.3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1=1.7%), Rhodococcus equi (1=1.7%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1=1.7%), Klebsiella oxytoca (1=1.7%), Nocardia asteroides (1=1.7%), and Enterobacter cloacae (1=1.7%). Ceftiofur was the most effective drug (>70% efficacy) against the pathogens in the disk diffusion test. In contrast, high resistance rate (>70% resistance) was observed to penicillin (42.2%), enrofloxacin (33.3%), and amikacin (31.2%). Eleven (24.4%) isolates were resistant to three or more different pharmacological groups and were considered multidrug resistant strains. The present study emphasizes the etiological complexity of equine septic arthritis, and highlights the need to institute treatment based on the in vitro susceptibility pattern, due to the multidrug resistance of isolates. According to the available literature, this is the first report in Brazil on the investigation of the etiology. of the septic arthritis in a great number of horses associated with multidrug resistance of the isolates.(AU)

Artrite séptica é uma artropatia infecciosa debilitante de equinos, que requer diagnóstico precoce e intervenção terapêutica imediata, com intuito de evitar a degeneração de a cartilagem articular e a perda da capacidade atlética e de trabalho dos animais. Poucos estudos têm investigado a complexidade etiológica da afecção, bem como a presença de multirresistência dos isolados aos antimicrobianos. Foram investigados 60 equinos portadores de artrite, submetidos à colheita asséptica de líquido sinovial para a realização de cultivo microbiológico e teste de sensibilidade microbiana in vitro (difusão com discos) com nove antimicrobianos pertencentes a seis diferentes grupos farmacológicos. Foi obtido isolamento microbiano em 45 (75,0%) amostras, como segue: Streptococcus equi subsp. equi (11=18,3%), Escherichia coli (9=15,0%), Staphylococcus aureus (6=10,0%), Streptococcus zooepidemicus (5=8,3%), Staphylococcus intermedius (2=3,3%), Proteus vulgaris (2=3,3%), Trueperella pyogenes (2=3,3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2=3,3%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1=1,7%), Rhodococcus equi (1=1,7%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (1=1,7%), Klebsiella oxytoca (1=1,7%), Nocardia asteroides (1=1,7%) e Enterobacter cloacae (1=1,7%). Ceftiofur foi o antimicrobiano mais efetivo (>70% eficácia) in vitro diante dos patógenos. Em contraste, alta resistência dos isolados (>70% de resistência) foi observada para penicilina (42,2%), enrofloxacino (33,3%) e amicacina (31,2%). Onze (24,4%) isolados foram resistentes a três ou mais diferentes grupamentos de fármacos e considerados com resistência múltipla aos antimicrobianos. O presente estudo enaltece a complexidade etiológica envolvida na artrite séptica em equinos e ressalta a necessidade de instituir o tratamento dos animais com respaldo de testes de sensibilidade microbiana in vitro em virtude da resistência múltipla dos isolados. De acordo com a literatura consultada, esta é a primeira descrição no país da etiologia da artrite séptica em grande número de equinos associada a multirresistência dos isolados aos fármacos testados.(AU)

Histoplasmosis diagnosed after arthroscopy of the knee: case report

ABSTRACTFungal arthritis is a rare complication of arthroscopic surgeries, but its possibility should always be considered due its deleterious effects on any joint. Infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum is the most common cause of respiratory tract infections by fungi, meanwhile histoplasmosis arthritis is more rare than all other fungal infections. However, their atypical forms of arthritis and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment cannot be over-emphasized. Herein we report a case of knee monoarthritis in an immunocompetent patient with histoplasmosis arthritis following an arthroscopic meniscetomy, diagnosed by synovial biopsy and culture performed during a second arthroscopic procedure. The joint was debrided in this second intervention and the patient received itraconazole initially and fluconazole latter on. The arthritis subsided after 10 months of treatment.

Lessons Learnt from an Atypical Mycobacterium Infection Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Infections following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction are rare, with no previous reports citing Mycobacterium abscessus as the culprit pathogen. A 22-year-old man presented twice over three years with a painful discharging sinus over his right tibia tunnel site necessitating repeated arthroscopy and washout, months of antibiotic therapy, and ultimately culminating in the removal of the implants. In both instances, M. abscessus was present in the wound cultures, along with a coinfection of Staphyloccocus aureus during the second presentation. Though rare, M. abscessus is an important pathogen to consider in postoperative wounds presenting with chronic discharging sinuses, even in healthy non-immunocompromised patients. This case illustrates how the organism can cause an indolent infection, and how the removal of implants can be necessary to prevent the persistence of infection. Coinfection with a second organism is not uncommon and necessitates a timely change in treatment regime as well.

Utilización de un método molecular para la detección de kingella kingae en muestras osteoarticulares / The Use of a molecular method for the detection of Kingella kingae in bone and joint samples

Kingella kingae es un agente causal de infecciones osteoarticulares especialmente en niños menores de 4 años. En este trabajo se ha realizado un estudio comparativo entre un método molecular [reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en tiempo real y dos métodos microbiológicos habitualmente empleados para el estudio de las infecciones osteoarticulares. Sólo se obtuvo resultado positivo para K. kingae por el método de PCR en 3 de las 60 muestras analizadas. Los pacientes evolucionaron sin secuelas aparentes con tratamiento antibiótico. Es importante destacar, como ya lo han hecho otros autores, que adicionando métodos moleculares se puede aumentar sensiblemente la recuperación de este patógeno.

Identification of bacterial antigens and super antigens in synovial fluid of patients with arthritis: a cross sectional study

An accurate and prompt diagnosis of bacterial arthritis is essential for earlier treatment and a good outcome. Superantigens produced by Staph. Aureus are among the most lethal toxins. The paper objective was Identification of common bacterial antigens and S. aureus superantigens in synovial fluid [SF] of children with negative culture and direct smear for other bacteria except for S. aureus. In this cross-sectional study a total of 62 patients with a mean age of 11 +/- 3.8 years [range: 5 months-16 years] with acute arthritis in pediatric and orthopedic wards of Rasoul Hospital [2008-2010] were studied. Three common bacterial antigens [e.g. S.pneumonia, H.influenza, N. meningitis] using LPA [latex particle antigen] and Staphylococcal superantigens [TSSTl; Enterotoxin A; B; C] using ELISA method [ABcam; USA] were identified in 60 adequate SF samples with negative culture and negative direct smears [for other bacteria except for S. aureus. Staphylococcal superantigens were compared with S. aureus infection [positive culture or direct smear]. Positive bacterial antigens [LPA test] were found in 4 cases including two S. Pneumonia, one N. meningitis, and one H.influenza. S.aureus was diagnosed in 7 cases including 4 positive cultures and 3 positive smears. Staphylococcal superantigens [toxins] were found in 73% of SF samples. Some cases had 2 or 3 types of toxins. S. aureus toxins were reported in 47% of culture negative SF samples. Positive TSSTl, Enterotoxin B, Enterotoxin A, and Enterotoxin C were found in 47% [n= 28], 18% [n= 10], 39% [n= 22], and 39% [n=21] of cases respectively. The most common type of superantigens was TSSTl; and Enterotoxin A was the less common type. Except for Enterotoxin A, no relation between positive S. aureus culture and positive tests for superantigens in SF was found. S. aureus has a prominent role in septic arthritis. S.aureus toxins might have a prominent role in arthritis with negative SF culture. Rapid identification of bacterial antigens [LPA] or S.aureus superantigens [toxins] are valuable for diagnosis in cases with negative cultures. We recommend usage of complementary methods [e.g. antigen detection tests] in children. Those tests are cheaper and easier in comparison with PCR as a complex and time-taking method. Identification of S. aureus superantigens in SF of all cases with negative culture, or treatment with antagonist drugs needs further clinical trial studies

Apendicitis aguda, bacteriemia y artritis: manifestaciones de infección por Yersinia enterocolitica en un adolescente / Acute appendicitis, bacteremia and arthritis: manifestations of Yersinia enterocolitica infection in an adolescent

La infección por Yersinia enterocolitica produce un amplio espectro de manifestaciones clínicas. En los lactantes y niños pequeños, la diarrea aguda es la forma de presentación más frecuente. En niños mayores y adolescentes el síndrome seudoapendicular debido a ileítis terminal y/o adenitismesentérica constituye una manifestación típica. Sehan descrito complicaciones postinfecciosas de mecanismo inmunoalérgico. Se presenta el caso de una dolescente de 15 años que es intervenido quirúrgicamente con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda. En la evolución reinstala fiebre y artritis de codo derecho; en el hemocultivo se aísla Y. enterocolitica. Se revisa la patogenia y manifestaciones clínicas de la infección por este agente y se analiza el posible mecanismo de la complicación articular.

Salmonella enterica enteritidis arthritis following trauma in a child with thalassemia major.

Osteoarticular infections caused by Non-typhi Salmonella are exceptionally encountered. We report a case of a bacteriologically documented knee joint infection due to Salmonella enterica serotype enteritidis, following trauma in a child with thalassemia major. Emergency arthrotomy combined with antimicrobial therapy was helpful in eradication of infection. Physicians should be aware of this rare manifestation of Non-typhi Salmonella infections in thalassemic patients.

Multi-regional abscesses caused by streptococcus milleri following acupuncture

We report a case of multiregional abscesses following acupuncture. A 56-year-old female who had received acupuncture to treat lower back pain, subsequently develops lumbar septic arthritis, epidural abscess, bilateral iliopsoas, and subcutaneous abscesses. Streptococcus milleri was isolated from the peripheral blood, subcutaneous tissue and psoas abscess. Surgical drainage of the subcutaneous abscess, CT guided drainage of the intraabdominal abscess and intravenous ceftriaxone resulted in a good clinical recovery, resolution of the infection, and prevention of complications. The case is discussed in detail, and pertinent review of literature is included. Streptococcus milleri naturally occurs as normal flora of the mouth, nasopharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina. They were first described by Dr O Guthof in 1956 in honour of Dr WD Miller, an oral microbiologist. They are generally sensitive to penicillins, cephalosporins, vancomycin, and clindamycin. They are resistant to bacitracin, and sulphonamides. Infections caused by streptococcus milleri include oral infections, deep abscesses in liver, brain, spinal cord, and lung. They rarely occur in the pericardium, pleura, surgical wounds, endocarditis, and can cause bacteremia in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent hoste[l]. We present a case of a 56-year-old female who developed lumbar septic arthritis, epidural abscess, bilateral iliopsoas, and subcutaneous abscesses due to streptococcus milleri infection after receiving lower back and gluteal acupuncture for relief of musculoskeletal back pain. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature

Etiología y presentación clínica de las infecciones osteoarticulares en niños hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell 2003-2005 / Etiology and clinical presentation of osteoarticular infections in children hospitalized in the Pediatric Hospital of the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center 2003-2005

Introducción: en el año 2001, en Uruguay, se comenzó a observar en niños un aumento en la frecuencia de aislamientos de S. aureus meticilino resistente en niños con infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad (SAMR-AC). Resulta necesario conocer la epidemiología y las manifestaciones clínicas de las infecciones osteoarticulares para adecuar las recomendaciones terapéuticas. Objetivo: describir la etiología, presentación y evolución clínica de los niños hospitalizados con infecciones osteoarticulares en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell. Material y método: se incluyeron los niños hospitalizados entre el 1º de enero de 2003 y el 31 de diciembre de 2005, con diagnóstico al egreso de osteomielitis, osteoartritis y artritis séptica. Para la definición de caso se consideraron: manifestaciones clínicas, hallazgos en el centellograma óseo, germen aislado de hemocultivo o cultivo óseo, o ambos, o articular. Se analizó etiología, presentación clínica, evolución y tratamiento. Resultados: se incluyeron 106 niños; edad media 7 años. Se aisló germen en 56 (52%): S. aureus meticilino sensible 41% (n=23), SAMR-AC 27% (n=15), S. pneumoniae 14% (n=8), S. pyogenes 5,5% (n=3), otros 12,5% (n=7). Comparados con otras etiologías los niños con infecciones por SAMR-AC tuvieron presentación clínica más grave: pandiafisitis (n=7), focos múltiples (n=1), trombosis venosa profunda y tromboembolismo pulmonar (n=2). Estos 15 niños requirieron drenaje quirúrgico; presentaron estadía más prolongada (promedio 31 versus 13 días) y más secuelas (6 versus 1). Los dos fallecimientos ocurrieron en niños con esta etiología. Conclusiones: SAMR-AC constituye un nuevo agente de las infecciones osteoarticulares en niños en nuestro medio. Frente a la sospecha clínica de esta infección es necesario insistir en la punción ósea diagnóstica e iniciar una antibioticoterapia empírica apropiada para este agente.

Summary Introduction: in the year 2001 an increase in isolation frequencies of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) was observed in children with communityacquired infections. We need to know the epidemiology and clinical presentation of osteoarticular infections in order to adapt therapeutic recommendations. Objective: to describe etiology, clinical features and evolution of children hospitalized with osteoarticular infections at the Pediatric Hospital of the Pereira Rossell Health Care Center. Method: the study included children hospitalized from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005, with a discharge diagnosis of osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis or septic arthritis. The following were considered for case definition: clinical features, bone centellogram findings, blood or bone culture isolated germ, or both cultures or articular isolated germ. Etiology, clinical features, evolution and treatment were analyzed. Results: 106 children were included, average age was 7 years old. The germ was isolated in 56 (52%):41% methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (n=23), community 27% acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n=15), S. pneumoniae 14% (n=8), S. pyogenes 5.5% (n=3), others 12.5% (n=7). When compared with other etiologies, children with community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus showed the most serious clinical presentation: pandiaphysis (n=7), multiple foci (n=1), deep venous thrombosis and pulmonarthromboembolism (n=2). 15 children required surgical drainage; and hospitalization time was longer ( average 31 versus 13 days) and more sequels (6 versus 1). Two deaths corresponded to children with this etiology. Conclusions: community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus constitutes a new agent in osteoarticular infections in children in our country. Upon clinical suspicion of this infection, it is necessary to insist on performing bone puncture as a diagnostic procedure, and to initiate empirical administration of antibiotics that are appropriate for this agent.

Résumé Introduction: en 2001, en Uruguay, on commence à observer (chez des enfants) une augmentation à la fréquence d’isolement de S. aureus méticilline résistant chez des enfants avec infections acquises dans la communauté (SAMR-AC). Il s’avère nécessaire de connaître l’épidémiologie et les manifestations cliniques des infections ostéo-articulaires afin d’y adapter le traitement. Objectif: décrire l’étiologie, la présentation et l’évolution clinique des enfants hospitalisés avec des infections ostéo-articulaires à l’Hôpital Pédiatrique du Centre Hospitalier Pereira Rossell. Matériel et méthode: on inclut les enfants hospitalisés entre le 1er janvier 2003 et le 31 décembre 2005, à diagnostic d’ostéomyélite, ostéoarthrite et arthrite sceptique au moment de la sortie. On tient compte de: manifestations cliniques, données de scintigraphie osseuse, germe isolé d’hémoculture ou culture osseuse, ou les deux, ou articulaire. On analyse l’étiologie, la présentation clinique, l’évolution et le traitement. Résultats: on inclut 106 enfants; moyenne d’âge 7 ans. Prélèvement de germe chez 56 (52%): S.aureus métycilino sensible 41% (n=23), SAMR-AC 27% (n=15), S. pneumoniae 14% (n=8), S. pyogenes 5,5% (n=3), d’autres 12,5% (n=7). Si on compare à d’autres étiologies, les enfants avec infections par SAMR-AC ont eu une présentation clinique plus grave: pandiaphysite (n=7), localisations multiples (n=1), thrombose veineuse profonde et thrombœmbolisme pulmonaire (n=2). Ces 15 enfants ont requis drainage chirurgical; leur séjour fut plus long (moyenne 31 versus 13 jours) et il eurent plus de séquelles (6 versus 1). Les deux décès chez des enfants ayant cette étiologie. Conclusions: SAMR-AC constitue un nouvel agent des infections ostéo-articulaires chez nos enfants. S’il existe un soupçon clinique de cette infection, il faut faire une ponction osseuse diagnostique et commencer une antibioticothérapie empirique appropriée.

Resumo Introdução: em 2001, observou-se no Uruguai, um aumento na freqüência de S.aureus meticilina-resistente isolados em crianças com infecções adquiridas na comunidade (SAMR-AC). Faz-se necessário conhecer a epidemiologia e as manifestações clínicas das infecções osteoarticulares para adequar as recomendações terapêuticas. Objetivo: descrever a etiologia, apresentação e evolução clínica das crianças com infecções osteoarticulares internadas no Hospital Pediátrico do Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell. Material e método: foram incluídas todas as crianças internadas entre o dia 1º de janeiro de 2003 e o dia 31 de dezembro de 2005, cujo diagnóstico na alta era osteomielite, osteoartrite ou artrite séptica. A definição como caso foi feita considerando as manifestações clínicas, os resultados da cintilografia óssea, o microrganimo isolado de hemocultura ou de cultura óssea, ou ambas, ou articular. Foram analisadas a etiologia, a apresentação clínica, a evolução e o tratamento. Resultados: cento e seis crianças com idade média de 7 anos foram incluídas no estudo. Em 56 (52%) delas foi feito o isolamento de gérmen: S. aureus meticilina-sensível 41% (n=23), SAMR-AC 27% (n=15), S. pneumoniae 14% (n=8), S. pyogenes 5,5% (n=3), outros 12,5% (n=7). Comparados com outras etiologias, as crianças com infecções por SAMR-AC tiveram quadros clínicos mais graves: pandiafisite (n=7), focos múltiples (n=1), trombose venosa profunda e tromboembolismo pulmonar (n=2). Nestas 15 crianças foi necessário realizar drenagem cirúrgica, o período de internação foi mais prolongado (média 31 versus 13 dias) e foram registradas mais seqüelas (6 versus 1). Os dois óbitos registrados corresponderam a crianças com esta etiologia. Conclusões: o SAMR-AC é um novo agente de infecções osteoarticulares em crianças no nosso meio. Quando houver suspeita clínica desta infecção deve-se insistir na realização de uma punção óssea diagnóstica e iniciar antibioticoterapia empírica apropriada para este agente.

Septic arthritis in a tertiary care hospital

To study the epidemiological features of septic arthritis in the adult population and to identify the risk factors for mortality in septic arthritis. A five year reterospective study was performed on cases with septic arthritis admitted in our hospital between January 1999 and December 2004. Patients were identified according to ICD codes, 711.00. Data was recorded on a standardized data sheet and analyzed by SPSS 11.5 software. A total of 116 patients were identified, 69 were male [59.5%] and 47 female [40.55%]. Mean age of patients was 49.22 years. The most common presenting clinical features were joint swelling [99.1%] and fever [60.3%], Knee joint was the most common joint involved [65.5%] followed by hip [11.2%]. Gram stains of synovial fluid was done in 67.2% of cases out of which 22.4% had positive stains. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated from blood as well as synovial fluid [18.8%]. Mean haemoglobin was 10.83gm/dl and 57.8% of patients had total leukocyte count less than 11,000/cumm. Platelet count was greater than 150,000/cumm in 90.5% patients. Hypertension, renal failure, chronic liver disease and elevated ESR were identified as some of the potential risk factors for higher mortality in a cohort with septic arthritis. Septic arthritis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These results highlight the importance of obtaining cultures before starting any treatment

Treatment of staphylococcal joint infection in the rabbit by adminstration of sysemic antibiotics and Intra - articular corticosteroids

Background/objective: Despite the present routine treatment of septic arthritis with antibacterial agents, articular damage is persistent and frequently leads to loss of joint function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of intra-articular corticosteroids added to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of experimental staphylococcal knee joint infection in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were injected in their knees by Staphylococcus aureus. The rabbits were divided into 3 equal groups. In group A, rabbits received no treatment. In group B, rabbits were treated with systemic antibiotics alone. Group C, received systemic antibiotics and intra-articular corticosteroids. After 16 days animals were killed and knee joint X-Ray as well as histopathological- histochemical parameters were assessed. All rabbits survived the experiment; the treated groups [B,C] had better histological-histochemical scores in comparison with the untreated group [A]. Group C had significantly better scores in joint sections in comparison with group B [mean SD = 6.7 +/- 2.3 v 4.0 +/- 2.4; P= 0.019]. Lower damage in the former group was expressed in lesser clustering of chondrocytes, proteoglycan depletion, and severity of synovitis. Radiological soft tissue scoring was significantly better in group C in comparison with group B. Three peri-articular abcesses were observed in group C but none in group B. Addition of intra-articularly administered corticosteroids to antibiotic treatment of septic arthritis improved histological histochemical parameters in this experimental setting, although on account of the clinical observation of three cases with peri-articular abcesses in this group, caution is warranted in interpretation of these results

Guias para el manejo de las infecciones osteoarticulares por Staphylococcus meticilino-resistente / [Guidelines for the management of bone and joint infections due to methicillin resistant staphylococci]

Bone and joint infections are a group of complicated diseases with high morbidity. Emerging resistant microorganisms and the use of prosthetic devices have increased the difficulty in the medical treatment of patients. The purpose of these guidelines is to offer information on the management of bone and joint infections (post-invasive septic arthritis, chronic osteomyelitis and infected arthroplasty) produced by methicillin resistant staphylococci. They are oriented to physicians dedicated to internal medicine, infectious diseases, trauma and orthopedist surgeons as well as to everybody interested in this issue. The guidelines mainly point to the rational use of diagnostic methods and describe the new treatment modalities. A group of experts analyzed the different strategies for diagnosing and treating bone and joint infections due to methicillin resistant staphylococci and attempted at setting a level of evidence level and the strength of each recommendation.