Clinical stage, age and treatment in tropical pyomyositis: a retrospective study including forty cases

ABSTRACT

A comparative and retrospective trial of 40 patients with tropical pyomyositis covering studies done between January 1, 1987 and November 31, 1990, at the General Hospital at Cosamalopan, Veracruz, IMSS, was undertaken. The objectives were to compare predisposing factors, clinical data, morbidity, mortality and hospital stay among 1) medial (group I) and surgical treatment (II), 2) adult and pediatric populations and 3) the clinical stage of the disease (invasive, suppurative and late). In group I, the family history of diabetes (56 per cent), fever (66 per cent) and hospital stay (6.5 ñ 1.8 days) were significantly different from group II (19 per cent, 100 per cent and 12.8 ñ 5.5 days), respectively. The mean age in adult and pediatric population was 38 and 8 years, respectively. Pediatric patients had lowest hemoglobin levels (9.7 ñ 1.3). Upper respiratory antecedent was highest in suppurative stage (65 per cent). In the late stage eosinophilia (5.9 ñ 6.9), fluctuance muscles (100 per cent), complication rate of 57 per cent, surgical drainage (100 per cent) and mortality of 29 per cent were found. Cultures were performed in 20 cases with negative results in 55 per cent and the remaining 45 per cent were positive to Staphylococcus aureus. Pyomyositis appears to be multifactorial in origin, the antecedents of trauma and upper respiratory infection were the major predisposing factors. Septicemia cuased high morbidity and mortality in the late stage. Surgical treatment was frequently needed, increasing costs