Frequency of Location, Type of Microorganisms and Surgical Intervention in Intravenous Drug Users with Osteomyelitis and Septic Arthritis

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

4 Medical Student, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Background: Infection is a major problem in intravenous drug users (IVDUs). Skeletal infections, especially osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are common causes for admitting these patients. In addition to antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment is often needed. The aim of this survey was to determine the frequency of location, type of microorganisms and surgical intervention in intravenous drug users with skeletal infection.Methods: In a cross-sectional survey, all intravenous drug users with skeletal infections admitted in infections ward and orthopedic ward of Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan, Iran were enrolled in this study. Data were collected by questionnaire and were analyzed by descriptive statistics.Finding: Thirty three patients were admitted during this period; among them 6 patients (18.2%) were diagnosed as osteomyelitis and 27 (81.8%) as septic arthritis. Knee was the most foci of infection. Staphilococus aurous was the most etiologic agent. Seven patients with septic arthritis and one with osteomyelitis went under surgical operation.Conclusion: Skeletal infections are common among intravenous drug users. Skeletal infections always should be considered especially if the patient has soft tissue infections to prevent more complications.Key words: Osteomyelitis, Septic arthritis, Intravenous drug user.

Keywords


  1. Munos Fernandes S, Macia MA, Pantoja L. Osteoarticular infection in interavenous Drug abusers: Influence of HIV infection and differences with non Drug abusers. Ann Rheum Dis 1993; 52(8): 570-4.
  2. Rivera J, Monteagudo H, Lopez–Longo H, Maldonado E, Carreño L. Anticardiolipin antibodies in drug addicted patients with AIDS. Ann Rheum Dis 1991; 50(5): 338.
  3. Levine DP, Crane LR, Zervos MJ. Bacteremia in narcotic addicts at the Detroit Medical Center. II. Infectios endocarditis: a prospective comparative study. Rev Infect Dis 1986; 8(3): 374-96.
  4. Sapico FL, Motgomerie JZ. Vertebral osteomyelitis in intravenous drug abusers: report of three cases and review of literature. Rev Infect Dis 1980; 2(2): 196-206.
  5. Brancos MA, Peris P, Miro JM, Monegal A, Gatell JM, Mallolas J, et al. Septic arthritis in heroin addicts. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1991; 21(2): 81-7.
  6. Chandrasekar PH, Narula AP. Bone and Joint infections in intravenous Drug abusers. Rev Infect Dis 1986; 8(6): 904-11.
  7. Belzunegui J, Rodriguez-Arrondo F, Gonzalez C, Queiro R, Martinez de Bujo M, Intxausti JJ, et al. Musculoskeletal infections in intravenous drug addicts: report of 34 cases with analysis of microbiological aspects and pathogenic mechanisms. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2000; 18(3): 383-6.