RISK-FACTORS FOR SEPTIC ARTHRITIS IN PATIENTS WITH JOINT DISEASE - A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY

Objective. To quantify potential risk factors for septic arthritis, in order to identify a basis for prevention. Methods. The occurrence of potential risk factors for septic arthritis in patients with joint dis eases attending a rheumatic disease clinic was prospectively monitored at 3-month intervals over a period of 3 years. Potential risk factors investigated were type of joint disease, comorbidity, medication, joi nt prosthesis, infections, and invasive procedures, The frequencies of risk factors in patients with and those without septic arthritis were compared using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results. There were 37 patients with and 4,870 without septic arthritis, Risk factors for developing septic arthritis were age greater than or equal to 80 years (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.4-8.6 ), diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.1-10.1), rheumatoid arthritis (OR = 4.0, 95% CI 1.9-8.3), hip and/or knee prosthesis (OR = 15, 95% CI 4.1-54.3), joint surgery (OR = 5.1, 95% CI 2.2-11.9), and skin infe ction (OR = 27.2, 95% CI 7.6-97.1). Conclusion. These findings indicat e that preventive measures against septic arthritis in patients with j oint diseases should mainly be directed at those with joint prostheses and/or skin infection.