Clinical-epidemiological profile of confirmed cases of osteoarticular tuberculosis.

Introduction: tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The incidence of TB has increased since the 1980s. Given the increasing prevalence of TB worldwide, osteoarticular TB (OATB) is a significant health problem. Methods: retrospective study of a case series of hospitalized patients with confirmed OATB by culture or histopathological examination who were seen at a reference orthopedic hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from 2014 to 2019. Results: thirty patients with confirmed bone and joint TB were seen from 2014 to 2019. The main sites of OATB were the spine (83.3 %) and the appendicular skeleton (26.7 %). Indication of surgical treatment was significantly related to the need for hospitalization ( p = 0.009 ) and the increased length of hospital stay ( p = 0.005 ). Presence of sequelae at the end of treatment was correlated with the presence of motor deficit at the time of OATB diagnosis ( p = 0.035 ) as well as with initial presence of functional limitation ( p = 0.025 ) and with high value of C-reactive protein at the end of treatment ( p = 0.037 ). Conclusions: the delay in the onset of clinical and laboratory signs of cases of osteoarticular infections hinders the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, resulting in major complications sometimes requiring surgical treatment and consequently leading to a prolonged hospital stay, evidence of high inflammatory activities, and the presence of neurological deficits.

Quantitative alpha-defensin testing: Is synovial fluid dilution important?

BACKGROUND: Alpha-defensin has been widely studied for the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is a lack of detailed information regarding the proper laboratory technique of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, such as sample dilution. AIM: To assess the influence of dilution in the synovial fluid during ELISA for the diagnosis of knee PJI; and determine which dilution presents a better performance. METHODS: Forty samples of synovial fluid from arthroplasty knees were included, 17 in the infected group and 23 in the aseptic group, according to Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. Initially, five synovial fluid samples from each group were assessed for quantitative analysis of alpha-defensin using ELISA. Different dilution ratios (1:10, 1:100, 1:500, 1:1000 and 1:5000) were tested based on the predetermined cutoff value of 5.2 mg/L. The dilutions that performed better were used to compare the results of all samples. RESULTS: For infected cases, a gradual increase in the dilution of synovial fluid samples led to an equivalent increase in alpha-defensin level. The same was not observed in the aseptic cases. Both 1:1000 and 1:5000 dilutions presented satisfactory results to differentiate infected and aseptic cases. Further analyses were performed using 1:1000 and 1:5000 for all 40 samples. The 1:1000 dilution resulted in a sensitivity of 88.2% (95%CI, 66%-98%) and specificity of 95.7% (95%CI, 79%-99%), whereas the 1:5000 dilution presented a sensitivity of 94.1% (95%CI, 73%-99%) and a specificity of 100% (95%CI, 86%-100%). CONCLUSION: The synovial fluid dilution had an important influence on the alpha-defensin ELISA results. Dilutions of 1:5000 showed the best performance for the diagnosis of knee PJI. The results of this study set the basis for a more reliable and reproducible alpha-defensin ELISA during the investigation of PJI, contributing to the expansion of this technique in different treatment centers worldwide.

Orthopedic infections due to Trichosporon species: Case series and literature review.

Reports of orthopedic fungal infections caused by Trichosporon species are extremely scarce, thus we aimed to describe a case series and review the cases published in the literature. Patients were retrospectively included if a previous culture of bone, joint, or soft tissues had resulted positive for Trichosporon species along with a clinical diagnosis of an orthopedic infection. Eight patients were included with diverse orthopedic conditions, most of them cases of osteomyelitis. The main isolated species was Trichosporon asahii. All patients were treated with antifungals, mainly voriconazole, and surgical management, resulting in high rates of clinical improvement and low associated mortality.

Reports of orthopedic infections caused by Trichosporon species are scarce. We described a case series of orthopedic infections caused by Trichosporon species and reviewed the previous published cases in the literature. We observed a high rate of clinical improvement and a low associated mortality.

Performance of alpha-defensin lateral flow test after synovial fluid centrifugation for diagnosis of periprosthetic knee infection.

BACKGROUND: The quantitative alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demands a prior synovial fluid centrifugation, whereas this processing is not routinely required prior to the alpha-defensin lateral flow test. AIM: To evaluate whether a prior synovial fluid centrifugation could lead the lateral flow performance to achieve comparable results to ELISA during periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. METHODS: Fifty-three cases were included in this study: 22 classified as PJI and 31 classified as aseptic cases, according to Musculoskeletal Infection Society 2013 criteria. Synovial fluid samples were submitted to centrifugation, and the supernatant was evaluated by ELISA and lateral flow tests. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP) and accuracy of each method were calculated as well as the agreement between those two methods. RESULTS: In all of the 31 samples from aseptic patients, alpha-defensin ELISA and lateral flow tests showed negative results for infection. Regarding the 22 infected patients, the lateral flow test was positive in 19 cases (86.4%) and the ELISA was positive in 21 (95.5%). Sensibility, SP and accuracy were, respectively, 86.4% (95%CI: 65.1%-97.1%), 100% (95%CI: 88.8%-100%) and 93.2% (95%CI: 82.8%-98.3%) for the lateral flow test and 95.5% (95%CI: 77.2%-99.9%), 100% (95%CI: 88.8%-100%) and 98.1% (95%CI: 89.9%-100%) for ELISA. An agreement of 96.2% between those methods were observed. No statistical difference was found between them (P = 0.48). CONCLUSION: Alpha-defensin lateral flow test showed high SE, SP and accuracy after a prior synovial fluid centrifugation, achieving comparable results to ELISA. Considering the lower complexity of the lateral flow and its equivalent performance obtained in this condition, a prior centrifugation might be added as a valuable step to enhance the PJI diagnosis.

Bioactive glass S53P4 to fill-up large cavitary bone defect after acute and chronic osteomyelitis treated with antibiotic-loaded cement beads: A prospective case series with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Bioactive glass S53P4 (BAG-S53P4) has been used in the treatment of osteomyelitis with excellent results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of patients treated with use of antibiotic-loaded cement beads, followed by bone defects filling using bioglass. METHODS: We treated a prospective series of patients presenting with acute or chronic osteomyelitis of a long bone of the upper or lower limb. The first-stage procedure involved debridement and filling of cavitary defects with antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads. When signs of infection subsided, the defects were filled with BAG-S53P4. The main outcomes assessed were the reinfection rate, need for reoperation, radiographic and functional evaluations (DASH and Lysholm scores). RESULTS: Ten patients were included, aged between 4 and 66 years (mean 25.4 years). The source of infection was hematogenic in five cases and post-traumatic in the other five. Hematogenic infections required two debridements before filling with bioglass, whereas post-traumatic cases required only one. The time between the first debridement and the application of bioglass varied from 1 to 63 weeks (average of 17 weeks). All patients showed a favorable evolution after bioglass procedure, with no need for reoperation or relevant wound problems. The radiographic evaluation showed partial incorporation of the material and adequate bone formation, and functional scores were satisfactory in all cases. CONCLUSION: The treatment of osteomyelitis with surgical debridement and PMMA beads, followed by filling of bone defect with BAG-S53P4, was effective in all patients evaluated, with adequate infectious control and bone regeneration. No cases required reoperation after bioglass implantation. Patients with hematogenous osteomyelitis required a greater number of debridements before filling with bioglass.

Bacteria drug resistance profile affects knee and hip periprosthetic joint infection outcome with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention.

BACKGROUND: Evaluate the effect of bacteria drug resistance profile on the success rates of debridement, antibiotics and implant retention. METHODS: All early acute periprosthetic infections in hip and knee arthroplasties treated with DAIR at our institution over the period from 2011 to 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. The success rate was evaluated according to the type of organism identified in culture: multidrug-sensitive (MSB), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MRB) and according to other risk factors for treatment failure. The data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate statistics. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were analyzed; there were 37 in the multidrug-sensitive bacteria (MSB) group, 11 in the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) group and 9 in the other multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MRB) group. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the treatment failure rate among the three groups: 8.3% for the MSB group, 18.2% for the MRSA group and 55.6% for the MRB group (p = 0.005). Among the other risk factors for treatment failure, the presence of inflammatory arthritis presented a failure rate of 45.1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DAIR showed a good success rate in cases of early acute infection by multidrug-sensitive bacteria. In the presence of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria or association with rheumatic diseases the treatment failure rate was higher and other surgical options should be considered in this specific population. The MRSA group showed intermediate results between MSB and MRB and should be carefully evaluated.

Prosthetic joint infection due to Candida species: Case series and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: The increase in the number of patients with prosthetic joints will entail a rise in the absolute number of infections associated with these procedures. Although less frequent, infections by Candida species are also expected to increase, and the clinical and surgical management of these cases is based on case reports and opinion of specialists. The objective of the present study was to review the available literature and describe the cases of prosthetic joint infection caused by Candida species in patients of the Institute of Orthopedics and Trauma of the University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine Clinics Hospital (IOT-HCFMUSP) between 2007 and 2014. PATIENT CONCERNS: Eleven patients were diagnosed with prosthetic joint infection due to Candida with mean age of 65 years. The most frequent comorbidities were heart disease and diabetes mellitus, and the main personal antecedent was previous bacterial infection in the prosthetic joint. At least one risk factor for fungal infection was present in 73% of the patients. There was no difference between the prevalence of infections caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species, and there was bacterial co-infection in 55% of the cases. DIAGNOSIS: For building up the case series, patients with cultures of bone and joint specimens that were positive for Candida species and had a clinical diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection were included in the case series. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical debridement with removal of the prosthesis was the most frequently used surgical approach (45%). All patients were treated with monotherapy, and the most frequently used antifungal agent was fluconazole. The total duration of antifungal therapy was 6 months in 73% of the cases. OUTCOMES: After the initial management, 73% of the patients achieved clinical remission. CONCLUSION: The most indicated initial management was debridement with removal of the prosthesis, and the most used treatment regimen was fluconazole monotherapy. The most prevalent treatment duration was 6 months. The initial management led to a favorable outcome in 73% of the cases. DESCRIPTORS: Prosthetic joint infection, Candida, treatment, and diagnosis.

A RETROSPECTIVE CASE-SERIES ON THE USE OF S53P4 BIOACTIVE GLASS FOR THE ADJUNCTIVE TREATMENT OF SEPTIC DIAPHYSEAL NON-UNION.

OBJECTIVE: Non-union and persistence of infection at a fracture site for long periods are always described as a challenge to orthopedists, especially in cases of severe compound fractures with comminution and segmental bone loss. This is a case series of septic non-unions, using S53P4 bioactive glass for adjunctive treatment, using internal syntheses or external fixators. The objective is to retrospectively evaluate the results of the use of S53P4 bioglass for the adjunctive treatment of septic non-unions. METHODS: We reviewed 18 patients with septic non-unions. The patients were preoperatively classified using the Non-union Scoring System (NUSS) and union outcomes were assessed by the modified radiographic union scale in tibial (RUST) fractures. Of the 18 patients treated, six underwent internal osteosynthesis and 12 were treated with external fixators in combination with bioactive glass grafting. RESULTS: The patients had a mean NUSS score of 56.6 (standard deviation of 7.6) and fracture union was achieved according to the RUST score in 17 of 18 cases (94.4%), with a mean value of 10.2 (standard deviation of 1.0). One patient was lost to follow-up. Reevaluation using the modified RUST score was 12.3 (SD = 1.0), maintaining union of 17/18. CONCLUSION: The fracture union rate was high, according to the literature, as was control of infection. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVO: A não união e a persistência de infecção no local de uma fratura por períodos prolongados são sempre descritas como desafios para os ortopedistas, especialmente em casos de fraturas expostas graves, com cominuição e perdas de segmentos ósseos. Esta é uma série de casos de não consolidações infectadas, utilizando o vidro bioativo S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento, utilizando-se sínteses internas ou fixadores externos. O objetivo é avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do uso do biovidro S53P4 como adjuvante no tratamento de não uniões infectadas. MÉTODOS: Foram revistos 18 pacientes com não consolidações infectadas. Os pacientes foram classificados antes da cirurgia pelo Non-Union Severity Score (NUSS), e os resultados quanto à consolidação foram avaliados pelo escore de RUST modificado (escala radiográfica de consolidação da tíbia). Dos 18 pacientes tratados, seis foram submetidos à osteossíntese interna e 12 foram tratados com fixadores externos, associados à enxertia com vidro bioativo. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes tinham resultado NUSS médio de 56,6 (desvio padrão de 7,6) e a consolidação foi obtida segundo o escore de RUST em 17 de 18 casos (94,4%), com valor médio de 10,2 (desvio padrão de 1.0). Um paciente abandonou o seguimento. A reavaliação pelo escore de RUST modificado foi de 12,3 (PF=1,0), mantendo a consolidação de 17/18. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de consolidação foi elevado, segundo a literatura, bem como controle infeccioso. Nível de evidência IV, série de casos.

INCISIONAL NEGATIVE-PRESSURE WOUND THERAPY IN REVISION TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY DUE TO INFECTION.

OBJECTIVE: To present our institution's experience with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as an adjuvant in wound healing of patients who have undergone revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to septic loosening in the presence of active fistula. METHODS: We prospectively assessed patients presenting with THA infection, associated with the presence of fistula, treated with a PICO® device for NPWT, in combination with the standard treatment for prosthesis infection in our institution. Resolution of the infectious process and healing of the surgical wound without complications were considered an initial favorable outcome. RESULTS: We assessed 10 patients who used PICO® in our department. No complications were identified in association with the use of the NPWT device. The mean follow-up of the patients after use of the device was 12.7 months. Only one patient progressed with fistula reactivation and recurrence of infection. CONCLUSION: NPWT can be used in wound complications and infection following THA procedures safely and with promising results. Randomized prospective studies should be conducted to confirm its effectiveness. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

OBJETIVO: Apresentar a experiência com terapia com pressão negativa (TPN), como adjuvante no tratamento das feridas cirúrgicas de pacientes submetidos à revisão decorrente de solturas sépticas com presença de fístula ativa em artroplastias totais do quadril (ATQ). MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados prospectivamente pacientes que apresentavam infecção de ATQ, associada à presença de fístula, tratados com dispositivo PICO® para TPN, além do tratamento padrão da infecção protética em nossa instituição. Consideramos como desfecho favorável inicial a resolução do processo de infecção e a cicatrização da ferida operatória, sem eventos complicadores. RESULTADOS: Foram acompanhados 10 pacientes que usaram PICO® em nosso serviço. Mão foram identificadas quaisquer complicações com relação ao uso do dispositivo de TPN. A média de acompanhamento dos pacientes após o uso do dispositivo foi de 12,7 meses. Apenas um paciente evoluiu com recidiva da infecção e reativação da fístula. CONCLUSÃO: A TPN pode ser usada em complicações de feridas e infecção depois de ATQ com segurança e com resultados promissores. Estudos prospectivos randomizados devem ser realizados para comprovar sua eficácia. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Incisional negative-pressure wound therapy in revision total hip arthroplasty due to infection / Terapia de pressão negativa incisional na revisão de artroplastia total do quadril por infecção

ABSTRACT Objective: To present our institution's experience with negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) as an adjuvant in wound healing of patients who have undergone revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to septic loosening in the presence of active fistula. Methods: We prospectively assessed patients presenting with THA infection, associated with the presence of fistula, treated with a PICO® device for NPWT, in combination with the standard treatment for prosthesis infection in our institution. Resolution of the infectious process and healing of the surgical wound without complications were considered an initial favorable outcome. Results: We assessed 10 patients who used PICO® in our department. No complications were identified in association with the use of the NPWT device. The mean follow-up of the patients after use of the device was 12.7 months. Only one patient progressed with fistula reactivation and recurrence of infection. Conclusion: NPWT can be used in wound complications and infection following THA procedures safely and with promising results. Randomized prospective studies should be conducted to confirm its effectiveness. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência com terapia com pressão negativa (TPN), como adjuvante no tratamento das feridas cirúrgicas de pacientes submetidos à revisão decorrente de solturas sépticas com presença de fístula ativa em artroplastias totais do quadril (ATQ). Métodos: Foram avaliados prospectivamente pacientes que apresentavam infecção de ATQ, associada à presença de fístula, tratados com dispositivo PICO® para TPN, além do tratamento padrão da infecção protética em nossa instituição. Consideramos como desfecho favorável inicial a resolução do processo de infecção e a cicatrização da ferida operatória, sem eventos complicadores. Resultados: Foram acompanhados 10 pacientes que usaram PICO® em nosso serviço. Mão foram identificadas quaisquer complicações com relação ao uso do dispositivo de TPN. A média de acompanhamento dos pacientes após o uso do dispositivo foi de 12,7 meses. Apenas um paciente evoluiu com recidiva da infecção e reativação da fístula. Conclusão: A TPN pode ser usada em complicações de feridas e infecção depois de ATQ com segurança e com resultados promissores. Estudos prospectivos randomizados devem ser realizados para comprovar sua eficácia. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Social profile and cost analysis of deep infection following total hip replacement surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the socio-economic and demographic profile of patients undergoing surgery for revision total hip arthroplasty regarding the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection. METHODS: Twenty patients were retrospectively studied, admitted in the period between 2009 and 2010 by the Hip Surgery Group with the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection, whose proposed treatment was surgical. This study was carried out in the presence of the patient by completing two forms applied by the social worker of the Group. RESULTS: In a 20-patient sample, 40% were male, 45% were working age, 50% of patients originated from the capital, 85% depended on benefits, 70% were retired, 60% of patients were from this hospital, and 40% were from other services. The average cost of patients to the public system was R$ 55,821.62 per patient and the total spent on treatment of patients in the study exceeded one million Brazilian reals, totalling R$ 1,116,432.40. CONCLUSION: Infection from total hip arthroplasty generates a major expense to the social security system and to the public healthcare system. Physicians must always be alert to the possible risk factors and perioperative care, striving to minimize this complication.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revisão de artroplastia total do quadril por diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda. MÉTODOS: Análise de 20 pacientes internados entre 2009 e 2010 pelo Grupo de Quadril com diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda cujo tratamento proposto foi cirúrgico. O trabalho foi feito com preenchimento na presença do paciente de dois formulários aplicados pela assistente social do grupo. RESULTADOS: Na amostra de 20 pacientes, 40% pertenciam ao sexo masculino, 45% estavam em idade produtiva, 50% eram originários da capital, 85% previdenciários, 70% aposentados, 60% provenientes do próprio hospital e 40% de outros serviços. A média de custo dos pacientes ao sistema público foi de R$ 55.821,62 por paciente, o gasto total no tratamento dos pacientes do estudo totalizou R$ 1.116.432,40. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a artroplastia total do quadril infectada gera um grande gasto ao sistema previdenciário e ao sistema de saúde público, deve-se, portanto, sempre atentar para os possíveis fatores de risco e cuidados perioperatórios para que esse problema seja evitado.

Social profile and cost analysis of deep infection following total hip replacement surgery / Perfil social e análise de custo da infecção pós-operatória da artroplastia total do quadril

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To characterize the socio-economic and demographic profile of patients undergoing surgery for revision total hip arthroplasty regarding the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection. METHODS: Twenty patients were retrospectively studied, admitted in the period between 2009 and 2010 by the Hip Surgery Group with the diagnosis of deep prosthetic infection, whose proposed treatment was surgical. This study was carried out in the presence of the patient by completing two forms applied by the social worker of the Group. RESULTS: In a 20-patient sample, 40% were male, 45% were working age, 50% of patients originated from the capital, 85% depended on benefits, 70% were retired, 60% of patients were from this hospital, and 40% were from other services. The average cost of patients to the public system was R$ 55,821.62 per patient and the total spent on treatment of patients in the study exceeded one million Brazilian reals, totalling R$ 1,116,432.40. CONCLUSION: Infection from total hip arthroplasty generates a major expense to the social security system and to the public healthcare system. Physicians must always be alert to the possible risk factors and perioperative care, striving to minimize this complication.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o perfil socioeconômico e demográfico de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de revisão de artroplastia total do quadril por diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda. MÉTODOS: Análise de 20 pacientes internados entre 2009 e 2010 pelo Grupo de Quadril com diagnóstico de infecção protética profunda cujo tratamento proposto foi cirúrgico. O trabalho foi feito com preenchimento na presença do paciente de dois formulários aplicados pela assistente social do grupo. RESULTADOS: Na amostra de 20 pacientes, 40% pertenciam ao sexo masculino, 45% estavam em idade produtiva, 50% eram originários da capital, 85% previdenciários, 70% aposentados, 60% provenientes do próprio hospital e 40% de outros serviços. A média de custo dos pacientes ao sistema público foi de R$ 55.821,62 por paciente, o gasto total no tratamento dos pacientes do estudo totalizou R$ 1.116.432,40. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a artroplastia total do quadril infectada gera um grande gasto ao sistema previdenciário e ao sistema de saúde público, deve-se, portanto, sempre atentar para os possíveis fatores de risco e cuidados perioperatórios para que esse problema seja evitado.

The incidence and microbiological profile of surgical site infections following internal fixation of closed and open fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and microbiological profile of surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with internal fixation of fractures and to compare differences in the SSIs observed among patients with closed and open fractures. METHODS: Retrospective study. Analyzed data included information from all patients who underwent surgery for fixation of closed or open fractures from January 2005 to December 2012 and remained outpatients for at least one year following surgery. Incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) was compared between patients with closed and open infection, as well as polymicrobial infection and infection related to Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Cumulative antibiograms were performed to describe microbiological profiles. RESULTS: Overall incidence of SSI was 6%. This incidence was significantly higher among patients with open fractures (14.7%) than among patients with closed fractures (4.2%). The proportions of patients with polymicrobial infections and infections due to GNB were also significantly higher among patients with open fractures. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species were the primary infectious agents isolated from both groups. The overall incidence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) was 72%. A. baumannii was the predominant GNB isolate recovered from patients with open fractures and P. aeruginosa was the most frequent isolate recovered from patients with closed fractures, both exhibited low rates of susceptibility to carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of SSIs related to the internal fixation of fractures was significantly higher among patients with open fractures, indicating that an open fracture can be a risk factor for infection. Among the bacterial isolates, S. aureus (with a high prevalence of MRSA) and CoNS species were most prevalent. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates underscored the low rate of susceptibility to carbapenems that was observed in the present study.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência e o perfil microbiológico das ISC relacionadas a procedimentos de fixação de fraturas num hospital acadêmico ortopédico terciário em São Paulo, Brasil, e comparar as diferenças observadas entre os pacientes com fraturas fechadas e expostas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo. Foram incluídos na análise os dados relativos a todos os pacientes que passaram por procedimento cirúrgico para fixação de fraturas fechadas ou expostas de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2012 e que mantiveram seguimento por pelo menos um ano. Foi verificada a presença de associação entre o tipo de fratura, a incidência de ISC e as incidências de infecções polimicrobianas e por bacilos Gram-negativos. O perfil microbiológico foi estabelecido por meio da elaboração de antibiogramas cumulativos. RESULTADOS: A incidência geral de infecção de 6%. Essa incidência foi maior no grupo de pacientes com fraturas expostas (14,7%) do que naqueles com fraturas fechadas (4,2%), com diferença estatisticamente significante. O número de pacientes com infecções polimicrobianas e com infecções relacionadas a BGN também foi significativamente maior no grupo de casos relacionados a fraturas expostas. Staphylococcus aureus e espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) foram os principais agentes isolados nos dois grupos. A incidência de MRSA (S. aureus resistente a meticilina) dentre todos os isolados de S. aureus foi de 72%. A. baumannii foi o principal BGN isolado entre os pacientes com fraturas expostas e P. aeruginosa entre os pacientes com fraturas fechadas. Em ambos os casos, observaram-se baixos índices de sensibilidade a carbapenêmicos. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de ISC relacionada à fixação interna de fraturas foi significantemente maior nos pacientes com fraturas expostas, o que indica que esse tipo de fratura pode ser um fator de risco para a ocorrência desse tipo de infecção. Dentre os isolados bacterianos, predominaram no geral S. aureus (com elevada prevalência de MRSA) e S. coagulase-negativo. Dentre os BGN, houve predomínio de A. baumanni também entre os isolados de pacientes com fraturas expostas e P. aeruginosa entre os isolados daqueles com fraturas fechadas.

The incidence and microbiological profile of surgical site infections following internal fixation of closed and open fractures / Infecção de sítio cirúrgico após fixação de fraturas fechadas e expostas - Incidência e perfil microbiológico

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and microbiological profile of surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with internal fixation of fractures and to compare differences in the SSIs observed among patients with closed and open fractures. METHODS: Retrospective study. Analyzed data included information from all patients who underwent surgery for fixation of closed or open fractures from January 2005 to December 2012 and remained outpatients for at least one year following surgery. Incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) was compared between patients with closed and open infection, as well as polymicrobial infection and infection related to Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Cumulative antibiograms were performed to describe microbiological profiles. RESULTS: Overall incidence of SSI was 6%. This incidence was significantly higher among patients with open fractures (14.7%) than among patients with closed fractures (4.2%). The proportions of patients with polymicrobial infections and infections due to GNB were also significantly higher among patients with open fractures. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) species were the primary infectious agents isolated from both groups. The overall incidence of MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. aureus) was 72%. A. baumannii was the predominant GNB isolate recovered from patients with open fractures and P. aeruginosa was the most frequent isolate recovered from patients with closed fractures, both exhibited low rates of susceptibility to carbapenems. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of SSIs related to the internal fixation of fractures was significantly higher among patients with open fractures, indicating that an open fracture can be a risk factor for infection. Among the bacterial isolates, S. aureus (with a high prevalence of MRSA) and CoNS species were most prevalent. A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa isolates underscored the low rate of susceptibility to carbapenems that was observed in the present study.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência e o perfil microbiológico das ISC relacionadas a procedimentos de fixação de fraturas num hospital acadêmico ortopédico terciário em São Paulo, Brasil, e comparar as diferenças observadas entre os pacientes com fraturas fechadas e expostas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo. Foram incluídos na análise os dados relativos a todos os pacientes que passaram por procedimento cirúrgico para fixação de fraturas fechadas ou expostas de janeiro de 2005 a dezembro de 2012 e que mantiveram seguimento por pelo menos um ano. Foi verificada a presença de associação entre o tipo de fratura, a incidência de ISC e as incidências de infecções polimicrobianas e por bacilos Gram-negativos. O perfil microbiológico foi estabelecido por meio da elaboração de antibiogramas cumulativos. RESULTADOS: A incidência geral de infecção de 6%. Essa incidência foi maior no grupo de pacientes com fraturas expostas (14,7%) do que naqueles com fraturas fechadas (4,2%), com diferença estatisticamente significante. O número de pacientes com infecções polimicrobianas e com infecções relacionadas a BGN também foi significativamente maior no grupo de casos relacionados a fraturas expostas. Staphylococcus aureus e espécies de Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) foram os principais agentes isolados nos dois grupos. A incidência de MRSA (S. aureus resistente a meticilina) dentre todos os isolados de S. aureus foi de 72%. A. baumannii foi o principal BGN isolado entre os pacientes com fraturas expostas e P. aeruginosa entre os pacientes com fraturas fechadas. Em ambos os casos, observaram-se baixos índices de sensibilidade a carbapenêmicos. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de ISC relacionada à fixação interna de fraturas foi significantemente maior nos pacientes com fraturas expostas, o que indica que esse tipo de fratura pode ser um fator de risco para a ocorrência desse tipo de infecção. Dentre os isolados bacterianos, predominaram no geral S. aureus (com elevada prevalência de MRSA) e S. coagulase-negativo. Dentre os BGN, houve predomínio de A. baumanni também entre os isolados de pacientes com fraturas expostas e P. aeruginosa entre os isolados daqueles com fraturas fechadas.

Advances in treating exposed fractures / Avanços no tratamento das fraturas expostas

The management of exposed fractures has been discussed since ancient times and remains of great interest to present-day orthopedics and traumatology. These injuries are still a challenge. Infection and nonunion are feared complications. Aspects of the diagnosis, classification and initial management are discussed here. Early administration of antibiotics, surgical cleaning and meticulous debridement are essential. The systemic conditions of patients with multiple trauma and the local conditions of the limb affected need to be taken into consideration. Early skeletal stabilization is necessary. Definitive fixation should be considered when possible and provisional fixation methods should be used when necessary. Early closure should be the aim, and flaps can be used for this purpose.

O manejo das fraturas expostas é discutido desde a antiguidade e permanece de grande interesse da ortopedia e da traumatologia modernas. São lesões ainda desafiadoras. Infecção e não união são complicações temidas. Aspectos no diagnóstico, classificação e manejo inicial são discutidos. São essenciais a administração precoce de antibióticos, a limpeza cirúrgica e o debridamento meticuloso. Devem ser levadas em consideração as condições sistêmicas do paciente politraumatizado e as condições locais do membro acometido. A estabilização esquelética precoce é necessária. A fixação definitiva deve ser considerada quando possível e métodos de fixação provisória devem ser usados quando necessário. O fechamento precoce deve ser almejado e pode-se fazer uso de retalhos para esse fim.

Kager's fat pad inflammation associated with HIV infection and AIDS: MRI findings.

OBJECTIVE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of Kager's fat pad inflammation in HIV-positive patients with lipodystrophy due to protease inhibitor treatment and posterior ankle pain. METHODS: A case-control, cross-sectional study; group 1 included 14 HIV-positive patients using protease inhibitors, presenting lipodystrophy syndrome and having posterior ankle pain; group 2 (CGHIV-) included 112 HIV-negative patients without lipodystrophy syndrome who were being evaluated for posterior ankle pain; group 3 (CGHIV + 1) included 23 HIV-positive patients not using a protease inhibitor, without lipodystrophy syndrome and with posterior ankle pain; group 4 (CGHIV + 2) comprised 18 HIV-positive patients who were being treated with a protease inhibitor and had lipodystrophy syndrome but did not have posterior ankle pain. Images were evaluated for the presence of edema by two radiologists who were blinded to clinical features. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate differences among the groups. Interobserver variation was tested using Cohen's kappa (κ) statistic. RESULTS: The presence of edema within Kager's fat pad was strongly associated with symptoms in HIV-positive patients who had lipodystrophy (p ≤ 0.0001). Concordance between observers was excellent (κ > 0.9). CONCLUSION: MRI findings of Kager's fat pad inflammation related to HIV/AIDS is a source of symptoms in HIV patients with posterior ankle pain using protease inhibitors and having lipodystrophy syndrome.

Gram-negative osteomyelitis: clinical and microbiological profile.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing interest in the study of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infections, very little information on osteomyelitis caused by GNB is available in the medical literature. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To assess clinical and microbiological features of 101 cases of osteomyelitis caused by GNB alone, between January 2007 and January 2009, in a reference center for the treatment of high complexity traumas in the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: Most patients were men (63%), with median age of 42 years, affected by chronic osteomyelitis (43%) or acute osteomyelitis associated to open fractures (32%), the majority on the lower limbs (71%). The patients were treated with antibiotics as inpatients for 40 days (median) and for 99 days (median) in outpatient settings. After 6 months follow-up, the clinical remission rate was around 60%, relapse 19%, amputation 7%, and death 5%. Nine percent of cases were lost to follow-up. A total of 121 GNB was isolated from 101 clinical samples. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Enterobacter sp. (25%), Acinetobacter baumannii (21%) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20%). Susceptibility to carbapenems was about 100% for Enterobacter sp., 75% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 60% for Acinetobacter baumannii. CONCLUSION: Osteomyelitis caused by GNB remains a serious therapeutic challenge, especially when associated to nonfermenting bacteria. We emphasize the need to consider these agents in diagnosed cases of osteomyelitis, so that an ideal antimicrobial treatment can be administered since the very beginning of the therapy.

Gram-negative osteomyelitis: clinical and microbiological profile

INTRODUCTION: Despite the growing interest in the study of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) infections, very little information on osteomyelitis caused by GNB is available in the medical literature. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To assess clinical and microbiological features of 101 cases of osteomyelitis caused by GNB alone, between January 2007 and January 2009, in a reference center for the treatment of high complexity traumas in the city of São Paulo. RESULTS: Most patients were men (63 percent), with median age of 42 years, affected by chronic osteomyelitis (43 percent) or acute osteomyelitis associated to open fractures (32 percent), the majority on the lower limbs (71 percent). The patients were treated with antibiotics as inpatients for 40 days (median) and for 99 days (median) in outpatient settings. After 6 months follow-up, the clinical remission rate was around 60 percent, relapse 19 percent, amputation 7 percent, and death 5 percent. Nine percent of cases were lost to follow-up. A total of 121 GNB was isolated from 101 clinical samples. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Enterobacter sp. (25 percent), Acinetobacter baumannii (21 percent) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20 percent). Susceptibility to carbapenems was about 100 percent for Enterobacter sp., 75 percent for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 60 percent for Acinetobacter baumannii. CONCLUSION: Osteomyelitis caused by GNB remains a serious therapeutic challenge, especially when associated to nonfermenting bacteria. We emphasize the need to consider these agents in diagnosed cases of osteomyelitis, so that an ideal antimicrobial treatment can be administered since the very beginning of the therapy.

Carbapenem stewardship: positive impact on hospital ecology.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive group 2 carbapenem use may result in decreased bacterial susceptibility. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the impact of a carbapenem stewardship program, restricting imipenem and meropenem use. METHODS: Ertapenem was mandated for ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infections in the absence of non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) from April 2006 to March 2008. Group 2 carbapenems were restricted for use against GNB infections susceptible only to carbapenems and suspected GNB infections in unstable patients. Cumulative susceptibility tests were done for nosocomial pathogens before and after restriction using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guide-lines.Vitek System or conventional identification methods were performed and susceptibility testing done by disk diffusion according to CLSI.Antibiotic consumption (t-test) and susceptibilities (McNemar's test) were determined. RESULTS: The defined daily doses (DDD) of group 2 carbapenems declined from 61.1 to 48.7 DDD/1,000 patient-days two years after ertapenem introduction (p = 0.027). Mean ertapenem consumption after restriction was 31.5 DDD/1,000 patient-days. Following ertapenem introduction no significant susceptibility changes were noticed among Gram-positive cocci. The most prevalent GNB were P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp. There was no change in P. aeruginosa susceptibility to carbapenems. Significantly improved P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae ciprofloxacin susceptibilities were observed, perhaps due to decreased group 2 carbapenem use. K. pneumoniae susceptibility to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole improved. CONCLUSION: Preferential use of ertapenem resulted in reduced group 2 carbapenem use, with a positive impact on P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae susceptibility.