The correlation between serum calcium levels and prognosis in patients with severe acute osteomyelitis.

Objective: To explore the relationship between serum calcium levels and the prognosis of severe acute osteomyelitis, and to assess the effectiveness of calcium levels in prognostic evaluation. Methods: Relevant patient records of individuals diagnosed with severe acute osteomyelitis were obtained for this retrospective study from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV). The study aimed to assess the impact of different indicators on prognosis by utilizing COX regression analysis. To enhance prognostic prediction for critically ill patients, a nomogram was developed. The discriminatory capacity of the nomogram was evaluated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, in addition to the calibration curve. Result: The study analyzed a total of 1,133 cases of severe acute osteomyelitis, divided into the survivor group (1,025 cases) and the non-survivor group (108 cases). Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, hypertension, sepsis, renal injury, and various laboratory indicators, including WBC, PLT, Ca2+, CRP, hemoglobin, albumin, and creatinine (P<0.05). However, no significant differences were found in race, gender, marital status, detection of wound microbiota, blood sugar, lactate, and ALP levels. A multivariate COX proportional hazards model was constructed using age, hypertension, sepsis, Ca2+, creatinine, albumin, and hemoglobin as variables. The results revealed that hypertension and sepsis had a significant impact on survival time (HR=0.514, 95% CI 0.339-0.779, P=0.002; HR=1.696, 95% CI 1.056-2.723, P=0.029). Age, hemoglobin, Ca2+, albumin, and creatinine also showed significant effects on survival time (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant impact on survival time was observed for the other variables (P>0.05). To predict the survival time, a nomogram was developed using the aforementioned indicators and achieved an AUC of 0.841. The accuracy of the nomogram was further confirmed by the ROC curve and calibration curve. Conclusion: According to the findings, this study establishes that a reduction in serum calcium levels serves as a distinct and standalone predictor of mortality among individuals diagnosed with severe acute osteomyelitis during their stay in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) within a span of two years.

Descripción de la tasa de mortalidad por osteomielitis según variables demográficas durante el periodo del 2016-2020 en Chile / Description of the osteomyelitis mortality rate according to demographic variables during the 2016-2020 period in Chile

Introducción: La osteomielitis es un proceso infeccioso óseo. En adultos, presenta alta mortalidad por sus complicaciones sistémicas, influida por factores de riesgos asociados. Por lo anterior el objetivo del estudio es describir la tasa de mortalidad por osteomielitis según sexo, rango etario y región, en el periodo 2016 - 2020 en Chile. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio ecológico de las defunciones por osteomielitis en los años 2016-2020 en Chile, según sexo, grupo etario y región (n=218). Datos obtenidos del departamento de estadística e información en salud. Se calculó tasa de mortalidad. No se requirió aprobación del comité de ética. Resultados: En el periodo estudiado se presentó una tasa de mortalidad de 0,22 x 100.000 habitantes. El sexo masculino presento un 52% de las defunciones en personas de 70 a 89 años, seguido del 25% en los pacientes de 80-89 años de edad. La región que presentó una mayor tasa de mortalidad fué Los Ríos con 0,49. Discusión: Se reportó mayor número de defunciones en grupos etarios avanzados, pudiendo deberse a que es una patología asociada a enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y en Chile hay gran prevalencia de éstas. La distribución geográfica de la enfermedad evidenció más reportes de defunciones en la zona sur, sin embargo, hay escasas publicaciones que expliquen las posibles causas de ello. Conclusión: Se requieren mayores estudios nacionales para profundizar en los hallazgos encontrados. Es importante conocer más variables sociodemográficas que influyan en la mortalidad por osteomielitis en adultos.

Introduction: Osteomyelitis is a bone infectious process. In the adult stage, it presents a high mortality due to its systemic complications, influenced by associated risk factors. The aim of this work is to describe the mortality rate due to osteomyelitis according to sex, age range, and region, in the period 2016 - 2020 in Chile. Materials and Methods: Ecological study of deaths due to osteomyelitis in the years 2016-2020 in Chile, according to sex, age group, and region (n=218). Data obtained from the Department of Statistics and Health Information. Mortality rate was calculated. Ethics committee approval was not required. Results: During the period studied, the mortality rate was 0.22 per 100,000 inhabitants. The male sex accounted for 52% of deaths in persons between 70 and 89 years of age, followed by 25% in patients between 80 and 89 years of age. The region with the highest mortality rate was Los Ríos with 0.49. Discussion: A greater number of deaths were reported in advanced age groups, which may be due to the fact that it is a pathology associated with chronic non-communicable diseases and in Chile there is a high prevalence of these diseases. The geographical distribution of the disease showed more reports of deaths due to this cause in the south, however there are few publications on possible causes of geographical distribution. Conclusion: Further national studies are required to deepen the findings. It is important to know more sociodemographic variables that influence osteomyelitis mortality in the adult population.

Non-gonococcal septic arthritis of native joints in Western Australia. A longitudinal population-based study of frequency, risk factors and outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence and long-term outcome of non-gonococcal septic arthritis (SA) in Western Australia (WA). METHODS: Newman criteria were applied to define culture-positive SA and suspected SA cases in the state-wide West Australian Rheumatic Diseases Epidemiological Registry with longitudinally linked health data for patients >16 years with a first diagnostic code of pyogenic arthritis (711.xx [ICD-9-CM] and M00.xx [ICD-10-AM]) between 1990-2010. Annual incidence rates/100 000 (AIR) and standardized (against WA population) mortality rates/1000 person-years (SMR) and outcomes during 10.1 years follow-up are reported. RESULTS: Among 2633 SA patients (68.6% male, age 47.4 years), 1146 (43.5%) had culture-positive SA. The overall AIR for culture-positive (1.6-6.3) and total SA cases (4.3-12.9) increased between 1990 and 2010 as did age at onset (39.5-54 years) and proportion of females (23-35.6%). Knees (33.6.%) were most frequently affected and 37.1% of cultures showed microorganisms other than Gram-positive cocci. Thirty-day rates for readmission and mortality were 25.4% and 3.2.%. During follow-up rates for serious infections (56.4%), osteoarthrosis (5.2%) and osteomyelitis (2.7%) were higher in culture-positive SA. SMR was increased for all SA patients but especially in those 17-40 years of age with culture-positive SA (24.2; 95% CI 2.3-261). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of SA in WA has risen steeply over 20 years. SA now occurs at higher age, affects females more often with over a third of cases caused by Gram-negative microorganisms. Not only culture-positive, but also suspected SA led to increased bone/joint complications, in-hospital and late mortality.

How is the microbial diagnosis of bacterial vertebral osteomyelitis performed? An 11-year retrospective study.

Vertebral osteomyelitis (VOM) is often diagnosed with delays, resulting in poorer outcomes. Microbial documentation is particularly challenging and obtained using blood cultures (BCs) and vertebral biopsies (VBs; CT-guided or surgical). We retrospectively analysed VOM cases in a tertiary reference centre between 2004 and 2015, focusing on how and how quickly microbiological diagnosis was performed. Among 220 VOM, 88.2% had documentation, including Gram-positive cocci (GPC) (70.6%), Gram-negative rods (GNR) (9.3%), anaerobes (3.6%), polybacterial infections (6.7%) and tuberculosis (9.8%). BCs were performed in 98.2% and positive in 59.3%, identifying most GPC (80.3%) and half of GNR (54.6%). VBs were performed in fewer cases (37.7%), but were more frequently positive (68.8% for CT-guided and 81.0% for surgical biopsies). They documented all anaerobes (100.0%), most M. tuberculosis (84.2%) and polybacterial infections (76.9%), and GNR (45.4%). Extra-vertebral samples highly contributed to tuberculosis diagnosis (52.6%, and 15.8% as the only positive sample). Documentations most often followed radiological diagnosis (53.4%). They were obtained earlier by BCs than by VB after first clinical symptoms (median of 14 versus 51 days). Antibiotic treatments were mostly initiated after samplings (88.0%). BCs allow the documentation of most VOM and should be performed without delay in case of clinical or radiological suspicion; however, they may miss 1 out of 5 GPC and 1 out of 2 GNR. VBs have a higher positivity rate and should be rapidly performed if negative BCs. It is likely that delayed and missed diagnoses result from the insufficient use of VB.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis After Spine Surgery: A Disease With Distinct Characteristics.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the 2-year survival and to identify clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with native vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) as compared to postoperative VO to find further strategies for improvement of the management of VO. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A relevant subgroup (20%-30%) of patients with VO has a history of spine surgery. Infection in these patients might be clinically different from native VO. However, clinical, microbiological, and outcome characteristics of this disease entity have not been well studied as most trials either excluded these patients or are limited by a small cohort and short observation period. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, patients who presented at a tertiary care center with symptoms and imaging findings suggestive of VO were reviewed by specialists in infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, and orthopedics to confirm the diagnosis and followed prospectively for a period of 2 years. Statistical analysis for group comparisons, survival analysis, and uni- and multivariable Cox regression models were performed. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the patients with VO (56/189) reported a history of spine surgery in the same segment. Patients with postoperative infection had a lower ASA score (American Society of Anesthesiologists) (P = 0.01) and were less likely to suffer from comorbidities compared to native cases (P = 0.003). Infections caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci (33.3 vs. 6.5%, P < 0.001) and other bacteria of the skin flora (15.2 vs. 0%, P = 0.002) were more prevalent in postoperative patients. Suffering from native VO increased the 2-year mortality risk 3-fold, also when adjusted for the remaining risk factors ASA score and number of comorbidities (hazard ratio 2.916 [95% confidence interval 1.215 -6.999], P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: Beside clear microbiological differences, the significant better 2-year survival supports the concept of postoperative VO presenting a distinct disease entity. The subtle disease presentation of patients with postoperative VO should not attenuate clinical suspicion of physicians. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Sternoclavicular Joint Infections: Improved Outcomes With Myocutaneous Flaps.

Sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) infection is a rare disease and its management remains controversial. Our institution has adopted an aggressive surgical approach of radical SCJ resection combined with myocutaneous flap (MCF) closure whenever possible. We reviewed our experience with this approach in the management of this condition. From July 2004 to June 2018, 50 consecutive patients were treated surgically for SCJ infections. Patient demographics, imaging studies, microbiology, and operative variables were analyzed. All patients underwent ipsilateral SCJ resection. Wound closure was performed with primary pectoralis advancement MCF closure at the initial operation in 25 patients, delayed MCF closure following temporary wound vacuum therapy and redebridement in 19 patients, and definitive wound vacuum therapy (DWVT) in 6 patients. End points were recurrence of infection, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. Localized swelling (100%) and pain (100%) were the most common presenting symptoms. MSSA was isolated in 50% of tissue cultures. Comorbidities included tobacco smoking 52%, diabetes mellitus 50%, intravenous drug use 34%, poor dental hygiene 32%, and obesity 28%. We had no deaths within 90 days of operation. Complications; seroma in 1 patient (2%), chest wall hernia in 1 patient (2%), retained drains in 1 patient (2%), recurrent osteomyelitis infection in 3 patients (6%), and hematomas in 5 patients (10%). Patients treated with primary MCF closure at the initial operation had a 0% (0/25) rate of recurrence compared to 5.26% (1/19) in delayed MCF closure. Overall, there was only a 2.27% (1/44) recurrence of infection in primary and delayed MCF closure combined, compared to 33.33% (2/6) in patients treated with DWVT closure. SCJ infections require an aggressive approach. Wound closure with an MCF (primary or delayed) is associated with less recurrence of infections compared with DWVT closure. Radical resection of the entire SCJ with MCF (primary or delayed) should be considered the preferred management strategy in patients with SCJ infections.

Incidencia y mortalidad de la osteomielitis en España según el conjunto mínimo básico de datos / Incidence and mortality of osteomielitis in Spain according to the basic minimum data set

Fundamento y objetivos: Conocer la incidencia y mortalidad de pacientes hospitalizados por osteomielitis en España. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio observacional de población ingresada con diagnóstico principal de osteomielitis en hospitales españoles según el conjunto mínimo de datos al alta hospitalaria, entre 1997-2014 (29.290 casos). Resultados: La incidencia de ingresos por osteomielitis fue de 3,85 (IC 99%: 3,79-3,91) casos/100.000 habitantes y año. El riesgo relativo de los hombres fue de 2,02. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 1,72% (IC 99%: 1,4 -1,93). La mortalidad de la osteomielitis asociada a septicemia alcanzó el 27,12% (IC 99%: 20,5-35), la de la infección por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (MRSA) el 5,5% (IC 99%: 2,18-13,2) y la de mayores de 64 años el 4,65% (IC 99%: 3,89-5,0). En el análisis multivariante la mortalidad se asoció de forma independiente a los diagnósticos de septicemia, osteomielitis aguda, ingresos urgentes, infección por MRSA, mayores de 64 años, comorbilidad y mujeres (p<0,001). Conclusiones: La incidencia de hospitalizaciones por osteomielitis en España es sustancial. La sepsis, la edad superior a los 64 años e infección por MRSA son factores importantes de riesgo de muerte

Background and objectives: To understand the incidence and mortality of patients hospitalised for osteomyelitis in Spain. Material and method: An observational study of the population admitted to Spanish hospitals with a primary diagnosis of osteomyelitis, according to the minimum basic data set for hospital discharge (MBDS), between 1997 - 2014 (29 290 cases) was carried out. Results: The incidence was 3.85 cases/100,000 inhabitants per year. Relative risk for males was 2.02. In-hospital mortality was 1.72% (99% CI: 1.4-1.93). The mortality of osteomyelitis associated to septicemia reached 27.12% (99%CI: 20.5-35), that of infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 5.5% (99% CI: 2.18-13.2), and that of those aged over 64 was 4.65% (99% CI: 3.89-5.0). In a multivariate analysis, mortality was associated independently with a diagnosis of septicemia, acute osteomyelitis, urgent admissions, infection with MRSA, being over 64 and female. Conclusions: The incidence of hospitalisations for osteomyelitis in Spain is substantial. Sepsis, being over 64 and MRSA infection are important risk factors for death

Treatment outcomes in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis who have cirrhosis.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) in patients with cirrhosis is challenging to clinicians, and the mortality rate is expected to be high. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the treatment outcome in PVO patients with cirrhosis and to identify the predictors of their mortality. Mortality was divided into two categories, 30-day and 90-day mortality. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of mortality. Eighty-five patients were identified after initial exclusion. The patients' mean age was 60.5 years, and 50 patients were male. The early mortality rates within 30 and 90 days were 17.6% and 36.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased age, CTP class C, and bacteremia at the time of PVO diagnosis were predictors of 30-day mortality, while higher MELD score, presence of combined infection, and multiple spinal lesions were predictors of 90-day mortality. Attention should be paid to the high mortality between 30 and 90 days after PVO diagnosis (18.8%), which was higher than the 30-day mortality. Liver function was consistently a strong predictor of mortality in PVO patients with cirrhosis. The high-risk patients should be targeted for an aggressive diagnostic approach, using spinal MRI and intensive monitoring and treatment strategies.

Clinical manifestations and outcomes of musculoskeletal nontuberculous mycobacterial infections.

To investigate the clinical manifestations and outcomes of musculoskeletal (MSK) nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections. This study was a retrospective cohort study using the Siriraj Hospital database from 2005 to 2017. Enrolled were all patients aged 15 or older who had an MSK infection with NTM identified in synovial fluid, pus, or tissue by an acid-fast bacilli stain, culture, or polymerase chain reaction. Of 1529 cases who were diagnosed with NTM infections, 39 (2.6%) had an MSK infection. However, only 28 patients met our inclusion criteria. Their mean age (SD) was 54.1 (16.1) years, and half were male. Of this cohort, 25% had previous musculoskeletal trauma, 18% prior bone and joint surgery, 14% prosthetic joint replacement, and 11% HIV infection. The median symptom duration (IQR) was 16 (37.4) weeks. The most common MSK manifestation was arthritis (61%), followed by osteomyelitis (50%), tenosynovitis (25%), and spondylodiscitis (14%). The most common organism was M. abscessus (18%), and M. kansasii (18%), followed by M. intracellulare (14%), M. marinum (14%), M. fortuitum (7%), and M. haemophilum (7%). In addition to medical treatment, most patients underwent surgery (82%), comprising debridement, osteotomy, prosthesis removal, and amputation, while 18% received only medical treatment. The treatment outcomes were complete recovery in 46%, improvement with some residual disability and deformities in 29%, and death in 3.6%. Musculoskeletal NTM infections were uncommon. Most patients had underlying joint disease or were immunocompromised hosts. Surgical management, as an adjunct to medical therapy, was necessary.

Incidence and mortality of osteomielitis in Spain according to the basic minimum data set. / Incidencia y mortalidad de la osteomielitis en España según el conjunto mínimo básico de datos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To understand the incidence and mortality of patients hospitalised for osteomyelitis in Spain. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An observational study of the population admitted to Spanish hospitals with a primary diagnosis of osteomyelitis, according to the minimum basic data set for hospital discharge (MBDS), between 1997 - 2014 (29 290 cases) was carried out. RESULTS: The incidence was 3.85 cases/100,000 inhabitants per year. Relative risk for males was 2.02. In-hospital mortality was 1.72% (99% CI: 1.4-1.93). The mortality of osteomyelitis associated to septicemia reached 27.12% (99%CI: 20.5-35), that of infection by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 5.5% (99% CI: 2.18-13.2), and that of those aged over 64 was 4.65% (99% CI: 3.89-5.0). In a multivariate analysis, mortality was associated independently with a diagnosis of septicemia, acute osteomyelitis, urgent admissions, infection with MRSA, being over 64 and female. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of hospitalisations for osteomyelitis in Spain is substantial. Sepsis, being over 64 and MRSA infection are important risk factors for death.

The prevalence and impact of cervical spine pathologies in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its treatment can lead to cervical spine pathologies such as metastases, osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and infection. However, the occurrence rate and relationship between timing of diagnosis and outcomes of the ever-advancing technology of radiation therapy is largely unknown. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and impact of cervical spine pathologies in patients with NPC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of all newly diagnosed cases of NPC from 2007 to 2016 at a tertiary referral oncology and spine centre with minimum 1-year post-treatment follow-up. All cervical spine pathologies, their treatment and outcomes were determined. Presentation, onset time and correlations of the cervical spine pathologies with mortality and risk factors were also analysed. RESULTS: Out of 605 cases of verified cases of NPC, cervical spine pathologies were seen in 8.9% of patients. New onset neck pain was seen in 5.3%, symptomatic cervical spondylosis in 4.8%, cervical spine metastases in 2.5%, local tumour invasion in 0.8%, cervical ORN in 0.7%, osteomyelitis in 0.7%, radiculopathy in 0.3%, and myelopathy in 0.3%. Cervical spine pathologies were associated with an increased risk (odds ratio: 2.73) in overall mortality. Cervical spine metastases, invasion, ORN and infection were associated with significantly higher risk of mortality (p = 0.01-0.02). CONCLUSION: Cervical spine pathologies in patients with NPC are heterogenous but not uncommon. Neck pain is prevalent but is often benign. ORN and osteomyelitis of the cervical spine is uncommon but have large clinical implications including higher mortality with subtle presentations.

[Treatment of Sternal Osteomyelitis after Median Sternotomy in 130 Patients with Pedicled Myocutaneous Latissimus Flap]. / Therapie der Sternumosteomyelitis nach medianer Sternotomie bei 130 Patienten mittels gestielter myokutaner Latissimuslappenplastik.

BACKGROUND: After median sternotomy in cardiac surgery, deep sternal wound infections develop in 0.8 - 8% of patients, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality. Our treatment strategy combines radical surgical debridement, removal of extraneous material and reconstruction of large and deep defects by a pedicled M. latissimus dorsi flap. With retrospective analysis of patient characteristics and pre- und perioperative data we could identify risk factors in regard to proper wound healing and bleeding complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patient characteristics (age, BMI, gender), medical history (diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive lung disease, renal insufficiency and pre- and perioperative data (anticoagulation, bacterial colonization during reconstruction) were collected for 130 patients treated by latissimus flap to cover sternal wounds between 2009 and 2015. RESULTS: The mean age was 68.72 ± 9.53 years; 37% of patients were female. The in-hospital mortality was 3.8%. Reoperation rate because of wound healing problems was 21.5%; bleeding complications leading to reoperation occurred in 10.8% of all patients. At the point of reconstruction, Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and S. epidermidis were detected most frequently. Age over 80 (p = 0.04), female sex (p = 0.002), detection of fecal bacteria (p = 0.006), or multiresistant bacteria (p = 0.007) and Klebsiellae were regarded as significant risk factors for wound healing problems leading to reoperation after flap surgery. High dose therapy with danaparoid/fondaparinux was a significant risk factor for bleeding complications needing reoperation. CONCLUSION: The pedicled latissimus flap has to be considered as the preferred method in large sternal wounds to achieve sufficient defect filling. The risk of wound healing disruption is significantly influenced by bacteria detected in the sternal wound at the point of reconstructive surgery.

The Epidemiology of Vertebral Osteomyelitis in the United States From 1998 to 2013.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a epidemiological database analysis. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this article are to assess the following characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO): (1) incidence and patient demographics, (2) mortality rate, (3) length-of-stay (LOS), and (4) admission costs. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND: VO is a serious disease with potentially devastating clinical consequences. At present, there is limited data on the epidemiology of VO in the United States as previous reports are based on older studies with small sample sizes. METHODS: We used the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database and estimated that 228,044 patients were admitted for VO in the United States between 1998 and 2013. Data were extracted on patient demographics, comorbidities, inpatient mortality, LOS, and inflation-adjusted hospitalization charges. Multivariable regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The incidence of VO admission was 4.8 per 100,000, increasing from 8021 cases (2.9/ 100,000) in 1998 to 16,917 cases (5.4/100,000) in 2013. Majority of patients were white (74%), male (51%), younger than 59 years of age (49.5%), and carried Medicare insurance (50%). The increase in incidence for male and females was similar. The mortality rate during hospital stay was 2.1%, decreasing from 2% in 1998 to 1.7% in 2006 and increasing to 2.2% in 2013. Risk factors for mortality included increased age, male sex, and higher comorbidity score. History of congestive heart failure [odds ratio (OR)=2.45], cerebrovascular disease (OR=1.92), liver disease (OR=2.33), hepatitis C (OR=2.36), and renal disease (OR=1.88) was associated with higher mortality rate. Mean LOS was 9.2 days, decreasing from 9.1 days in 1998 to 8.8 days in 2013. The mean estimated hospital charges for admission were $54,599, however, this increased from $24,102 in 1998 (total of $188.8 millions) to $80,786 in 2013 (total of $1.3 billions). CONCLUSION: This condition is associated with lengthy and expensive hospital stays resulting in a significant burden to patients and the health care system.

Long-term prognosis of hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis: Mortality, quality of life, and pain.

BACKGROUND: Hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis (HVO) has a generally favorable prognosis if appropriate treatment is initiated in its early phase; however, some intractable cases with HVO can develop neurological impairment as well as spinal deformity during the course of treatment and these sequelae may lead to impaired quality of life (QOL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the long-term relapse rate, mortality, and QOL of patients with HVO. METHODS: In this retrospective case series study, medical records of 60 patients with HVO with a mean follow-up period of 8 years (5-23 years) were reviewed to assess demographic data, details of infection, and clinical course. Mortality rate was assessed using a Kaplan-Meier plot. QOL was measured using the EuroQol 5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire and residual pain using a numeric rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: HVO relapsed in 4 of 60 patients (7%). Overall 5-year survival rate in 60 patients with HVO was 85%. The factors associated with increased mortality were malignant tumor, diabetes mellitus, chronic use of glucocorticoids, and drug-resistant strains of staphylococcus. Female-to-male ratio, NRS, prevalence of neurological impairment were significantly higher in patients with low EQ-5D score (poor health) compared to those with high EQ-5D score (good health). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HVO have shorter life expectancy if they have malignancy, diabetes mellitus, chronic use of glucocorticoids, and a history of drug-resistant strains of staphylococcus infection. Female gender, residual neurological defects and persistent back pain are associated with impaired QOL in patients with HVO.

Diabetic foot ulcer severity predicts mortality among veterans with type 2 diabetes.

AIM: Diabetic foot ulcers are associated with an increased risk of death. We evaluated whether ulcer severity at presentation predicts mortality. METHODS: Patients from a national, retrospective, cohort of veterans with type 2 diabetes who developed incident diabetic foot ulcers between January 1, 2006 and September 1, 2010, were followed until death or the end of the study period, January 1, 2012. Ulcers were characterized as early stage, osteomyelitis, or gangrene at presentation. Cox proportional hazard regression identified independent predictors of death, controlling for comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and healthcare utilization. RESULTS: 66,323 veterans were included in the cohort and followed for a mean of 27.7months: 1-, 2-, and 5-year survival rates were 80.80%, 69.01% and 28.64%, respectively. Compared to early stage ulcers, gangrene was associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.57-1.83, p<0.001). The magnitude of this effect was greater than diagnosed vascular disease, i.e., coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, or stroke. CONCLUSION: Initial diabetic foot ulcer severity is a more significant predictor of subsequent mortality than coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, or stroke. Unrecognized or under-estimated vascular disease and/or sepsis secondary to gangrene should be explored as possible causal explanations.

Clinical Differences Between Monomicrobial and Polymicrobial Vertebral Osteomyelitis.

Little literature exists examining differences in presentation and outcomes between monomicrobial and polymicrobial vertebral infections. Seventy-nine patients treated for vertebral osteomyelitis between 2001 and 2011 were reviewed. Patients were divided into monomicrobial and polymicrobial cohorts based on type of infection. Various characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. The 26 patients with a polymicrobial infection were older and had a higher mortality rate, lower clearance of infection, larger infection, more vertebral instability, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate at presentation, and longer mean length of stay. There were no significant differences in Oswestry Disability Index scores at final follow-up, but there were differences in presentation and clinical outcomes between monomicrobial and polymicrobial vertebral osteomyelitis. Patients may benefit from counseling regarding their disease type and potential prognosis. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(2):e370-e373.].

[Sternal osteomyelitis - Surgical treatment concepts]. / Sternumosteomyelitis - chirurgische Behandlungskonzepte.

Sternal osteomyelitis is a potentially fatal condition following cardiac surgery. Sternal osteomyelitis should be diagnosed as early as possible followed by an interdisciplinary radical debridement. Subsequently plastic reconstructive surgery is necessary for defect reconstruction. This can be achieved by a number of established pedicled and free flap plastic surgery procedures. The choice of flap procedures is based on defect geometry and the individual patient situation, including potential flap donor sites. Smaller defects can generally be reconstructed by pedicled flap transfer. For extensive sternal defects, free flap transplantation is now a well-established therapeutic option. In some patients lacking sufficient recipient vessels, the creation of an arteriovenous (AV) loop as recipient vessel is necessary. In summary, successful therapy of sternal osteomyelitis is based on early interdisciplinary treatment by the various surgical subspecialties.

Chronic osteomyelitis increases long-term mortality risk in the elderly: a nationwide population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The elderly are predisposed to chronic osteomyelitis because of the immunocompromised nature of aging and increasing number of chronic comorbidities. Chronic osteomyelitis may significantly affect the health of the elderly; however, its impact on long-term mortality remains unclear. We conceived this retrospective nationwide population-based cohort study to address this issue. METHODS: We identified 10,615 elderly patients (≥65 years) comprising 965 patients with chronic osteomyelitis and 9650 without chronic osteomyelitis matched at a ratio of 1:10 by age and gender between 1999 and 2010 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The risk of chronic osteomyelitis between the two cohorts was compared by a following-up until 2011. RESULTS: Patients with chronic osteomyelitis had a significantly higher mortality risk than those without chronic osteomyelitis [incidence rate ratio (IRR): 2.29; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 2.01-2.59], particularly the old elderly (≥85 years; IRR: 3.27; 95 % CI: 2.22-4.82) and males (IRR: 2.7; 95 % CI: 2.31-3.16). The highest mortality risk was observed in the first month (IRR: 5.01; 95 % CI: 2.02-12.42), and it remained persistently higher even after 6 years (IRR: 1.53; 95 % CI: 1.13-2.06) of follow-up. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that chronic osteomyelitis [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 1.89; 95 % CI: 1.66-2.15], advanced age (≥85 years; AHR: 2.02; 95 % CI: 1.70-2.41), male (AHR: 1.34; 95 % CI: 1.22-1.48), and chronic comorbidities were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that chronic osteomyelitis significantly increased the long-term mortality risk in the elderly. Therefore, strategies for prevention and treatment of chronic osteomyelitis and concomitant control of chronic comorbidities are very important for the management of the elderly, particularly for a future with an increasingly aged population worldwide.

Clinical features, outcomes, and survival factor in patients with vertebral osteomyelitis infected by methicillin-resistant staphylococci.

PURPOSE: To elucidate clinico-radiological features, therapeutic outcomes, and survival factors of vertebral osteomyelitis patients infected by methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS). METHODS: Vertebral osteomyelitis patients admitted to the orthopaedic department between 2007 and 2011 (n = 248) were selected for this multicenter study. We compared patients' backgrounds, therapeutic course, and in-hospital mortality between MRS and methicillin-susceptible staphylococci (MSS). We also examined survival factors of vertebral osteomyelitis due to MRS. RESULTS: Sixteen patients of MRS vertebral osteomyelitis and 55 patients of MSS were included in this study. In MRS vertebral osteomyelitis, the rates of comorbid diabetes mellitus, involvement of >2 vertebral bodies, in-hospital mortality, and operation of surgical debridement were higher compared to those in MSS vertebral osteomyelitis. Univariate analysis showed that operation of surgical debridement was a factor related to survival in MRS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Higher rate of comorbid diabetes mellitus, involvement of >2 vertebral bodies, in-hospital mortality, and performing surgical debridement are peculiar features of MRS vertebral osteomyelitis compared to MSS vertebral osteomyelitis. If patients with MRS vertebral osteomyelitis respond poorly to antibiotic therapy, it might be better to consider surgical debridement not to lose an opportunity of operation due to exacerbation of systemic conditions.