Early Diagnosis of Septic Arthritis in Immunocompromised Patients

Previous studies reported that elevated peripheral white blood cell (pWBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and, C-reactive protein levels (CRP), aWBC >50,000, joint fluid PMN cells >90% and positive joint fluid gram stain are considered suggestive of septic arthritis. But they have not defined how immunosuppressed states affect the results of these labs. Therefore, the current research suggested that laboratory values for immunocompromised patients with septic arthritis were similar to those associated with septic arthritis in historical general population controls.  

Septic arthritis leads into a fast joint demolition if not appropriately identified and managed. The inflammatory markers, a joint aspiration, and a peripheral white blood cell count were considered as a workup for septic arthritis. The elucidation of such labs has been well-explained by previous analysis in the general population. To date, no investigation has explained how immunosuppressive states influence this work up.  

A retrospective analysis was led to recognise the immunosuppressive patients who obtained a joint aspiration for a painful joint. The work up's laboratory work collected and analysed.

A total of 21 subjects out of 216 patients diagnosed with septic arthritis. The mean aspiration WBC count was noticed to be 74,190 with 88% PMNs. A positive gram stain was exhibited in 81% of patients.

Identical laboratory studies were found between immunosuppressed patients with septic arthritis and septic arthritis in historical general population controls.