Septic arthritis in the elderly

Mohammad Adawi*, Nicola Luigi Bragazzi, Abdulla Watad

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Septic arthritis is a rather common acute, intensely painful, pyogenic infection of the synovial joints. Etiopathogenetic mechanisms include: (a) hematogenous seeding and spreading, (b) direct inoculation (previous orthopedic interventions, joint surgery and therapeutic intra-articular injections of corticosteroids), and (c) continuous extension from a contiguous infectious focus affecting adjacent structures, such as bones or skin. Elderly people are at higher risk of developing septic arthritis, because of (a) frailty and significantly reduced physiological reserve, (b) co-morbidities (diabetes mellitus, metabolic impairments, immunological dysfunctions, HIV, or malignancies), and (c) degenerative musculo-skeletal disorders (including osteoarthritis, chondrocalcinosis and rheumatoid arthritis) or rheumatological diseases (such as gout and systemic lupus erythematosus). emergency among the elderly, leading to reduced functioning and motion, to morbidity and, ultimately, to mortality. As such, it should receive a prompt diagnosis and management. Removing infected fluids, using antibiotics, eventually performing surgery and providing supportive care are the best evidence-based options for properly treating older adults with septic arthritis. When oral treatment or surgical management are unfeasible options, prolonged suppressive antibiotic therapy (PSAT) can be a valid solution.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRheumatic Disease in Geriatrics
Subtitle of host publicationDiagnosis and Management
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages311-317
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9783030442347
ISBN (Print)9783030442330
DOIs
StatePublished - 25 May 2020

Keywords

  • Differential diagnosis
  • Epidemiology and etiopathogenesis
  • Geriatrics
  • Prolonged suppressive antibiotic therapy (PSAT)
  • Septic arthritis
  • Treatment and management

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