Vertebral Osteomyelitis In Patients Research Articles

Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 After Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion for the Treatment of Vertebral Osteomyelitis

To report the operative outcomes after treating vertebral osteomyelitis patients with an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion procedure using recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 as graft material. A retrospective review of electronic medical records of 26 adult patients who underwent an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion procedure for cervical osteomyelitis using rhBMP-2 at the University of Puerto Rico University District Hospital was performed. Indication, preoperative laboratory results, levels of corpectomy, preoperative ASIA score, complications, fusion evaluation at 12 months, and ASIA score at 12 months was reviewed. For the cohort of patients, mean age was 47±13 years and 65% were male. Spinal instability was present in 54%. The levels of corpectomy were: one-level in 2 cases, two-level in 15 cases, three-level in 8 cases and five-level in 1 case. 4 patients had complications and of these, 2 experienced dysphagia. The fusion rate was 100% and no reoperations were performed. An improvement in ASIA score was seen for 54% patients at 12 months follow up. This study demonstrates a fusion rate of 100% with no reoperations reported. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 could be considered and further researched as grafting material for anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion procedures in cervical osteomyelitis patients.

Vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with an underlying malignancy or chronic kidney disease – Who is at higher risk for adverse outcome?

Vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with an underlying malignancy or chronic kidney disease – Who is at higher risk for adverse outcome?

1299. Clinical Characteristics of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Patients with a History of Acupuncture

Abstract Background Considering that vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) can occur via various routes. It can be predicted that clinical characteristics may vary depending on the way of infection or risk factors of the disease. In this study, the clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, clinical features, and prognosis of the native VO in patients with a history of acupuncture were compared with those without a history of acupuncture. Methods This retrospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Seoul, from May 2006 to February 2021. The patients of age 18 or older with native VO were enrolled. Data on demography, clinical presentation, treatment, causative organisms, and clinical outcomes were collected via electronic medical records. Results A total of 100 patients with VO were reviewed, among which 34 patients had a history of acupuncture before the diagnosis of VO. The frequency of Gram-positive cocci (GPC) was significantly higher in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group (p=0.016). Abscess was observed more frequently in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group (p=0.01). Patients with abscesses underwent surgical treatment more often than those without (p=0.021). There was no difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups, including mortality, neurologic sequelae, and recurrent after one year. Conclusion This study suggests that confirming a history of acupuncture may help predict the pathogen or clinical characteristics of the disease. If the patient has a history of acupuncture, GPC can be considered the causative organism. The presence of abscesses may lead to surgical treatment more frequently. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Risk Factors and Outcomes of Hematogenous Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Patients With Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia.

Hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis (HVOM) is an incompletely understood complication of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). Eligible SAB patients with and without HVOM were prospectively enrolled from 1995 through 2019 at Duke University Health System. HVOM was diagnosed either radiographically or microbiologically. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and microbial factors associated with HVOM risk. All bloodstream S. aureus isolates were genotyped using spa typing. Of 3165 cases of SAB, 127 (4.0%) developed HVOM. Patients who experienced HVOM were more likely to have community-acquired SAB (30.7% vs 16.7%, P < .001), have a longer time to diagnosis of SAB (median, 5 days; interquartile range [IQR], 2-10.5 vs median, 2 days; IQR, 0-4; P < .001), and to exhibit persistent bacteremia (48.8% vs 20.6%, P < .001). A significant number of HVOM patients developed infective endocarditis (26% vs 15.2%, P = .002). Overall, 26.2% (n = 33) of SAB patients with HVOM underwent surgical intervention. Methicillin resistance (46.6% vs 41.7%, P = .318) and bacterial genotype were not associated with the development of HVOM. At the 12-month follow-up, 22% of patients with HVOM had died. Of the surviving patients, 20.4% remained on antibiotic therapy, and 29.6% had recurrence of either HVOM or SAB. Among patients with SAB, HVOM risk was associated with clinical factors and not bacterial genotype. Despite being a rare complication of SAB, patients with HVOM had high all-cause mortality rates and healthcare resource requirements up to 1 year after their HVOM diagnosis. Close clinical monitoring is indicated in this vulnerable population.

Clinical characteristics of native vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with history of acupuncture

BackgroundConsidering that vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) can occur via various routes, it can be predicted that clinical characteristics may vary depending on the route of infection or risk factors of the disease. In this study, differences in clinical characteristics, causative pathogens, clinical features and prognosis were investigated in patients of native vertebral osteomyelitis with history of acupuncture. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul. We extracted data of patients diagnosed with VO from May 2006 to February 2021 using an electronic database. Data on demography, clinical presentation, treatment, causative organisms and clinical outcomes were identified and compared according to the history of acupuncture. ResultsA total of 100 patients with VO were reviewed, among which 34 patients had a history of acupuncture prior to the diagnosis of VO. The frequency of Gram-positive cocci (GPC) was significantly higher in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group (p = 0.016). Abscess was observed more frequently in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group (p = 0.01). There was no difference in neurological sequelae and recurrence between the two groups. There was no difference in mortality between the two groups. (p = 0.098) ConclusionThis study suggests that confirming a history of acupuncture may help predict the pathogen or clinical characteristics of the disease. If the patient has a history of acupuncture, GPC can be considered as the causative organism, and the findings that abscesses and surgical treatment are more common may be helpful in evaluating patients.

Post-radiotherapy osteomyelitis of the cervical spine in head and neck cancer patients

Objective To evaluate patient characteristics, risk factors, disease course, and management of cervical vertebral osteomyelitis in patients who had radiation for head and neck cancers. Methods A retrospective cohort study (case series) of patients diagnosed with post-radiation osteomyelitis of the cervical spine between 2012 and 2021. Data were collected from the patient’s medical files. Results Seven patients (71% male) with post-radiation cervical osteomyelitis were reviewed. The median patient age was 64 years. The mean interval between diagnosis of osteomyelitis and the first and last radiotherapy course was 8.3 and 4.0 years, respectively. A medical or surgical event preceded the diagnosis in four patients (57%) by a mean of 46.25 days. Common imaging findings were free air within the cervical structures and fluid collection. Four patients recovered from osteomyelitis during the follow-up within an average of 65 days. Conclusion: Post-radiation osteomyelitis is characterized by a subtle presentation, challenging diagnosis, prolonged treatment, and poor outcome. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for the long-term after radiotherapy. Multidisciplinary evaluation and management are warranted. Advances in knowledge: The study describes post-radiotherapy osteomyelitis of the cervical spine, a rare and devastating complication. Literature data regarding this complication are sparse.

Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Patients with Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to assess the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes of native vertebral osteomyelitis (NVO) in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). MethodsA retrospective institutional review was conducted at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota. Patients aged ≥18 years with SAB who developed NVO from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2020 were included and 3-month follow-up data were abstracted. Data pertaining to patient demographics, risk factors and outcomes were recorded using REDCap. A 1:2 nested case-control analysis was performed, and controls were matched according to age, sex and year of SAB diagnosis. ResultsA total of 103 patients had NVO. A majority (60.2%) of patients was male, with a median age of 62.0 years. Thirty-one (30.1%) cases were caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The lumbar spine was most commonly (57.6%) and the most commonly reported comorbid conditions included diabetes mellitus (36.9%) and coronary artery disease (27.2%). Mortality at three-month follow-up was 18.6%. Nested case-control analysis revealed that injection drug use (IDU) and tobacco consumption were significant risk factors associated with NVO, while chronic hemodialysis and chronic liver disease (CLD) were associated with a decreased risk of NVO. ConclusionsAtherosclerotic vascular disease was prominent in our contemporary cohort with NVO in the setting of SAB. Diabetes mellitus, tobacco consumption, older age and male sex likely contributed to this profile. Because IDU was associated with NVO, an increased number of cases should be anticipated among patients with IDU given the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States.

Vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection: Evaluation of risk factors for treatment failure

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (VO). Studies indicate that S. aureus VO results in poor outcome. We aimed to investigate risk factors for treatment failure in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB) and VO. We conducted a post hoc-analysis of data from a German bi-center prospective SAB cohort (2006-2014). Patients were followed-up for one year. Primary outcome was treatment failure defined as relapse and/or death within one year. A total of 1069 patients with SAB were analyzed, with 92 VO patients. In addition to antibiotic treatment, surgery was performed in 60/92 patients. Treatment failed in 44/92 patients (death, n=42; relapse, n=2). Multivariable analysis revealed higher age (HR 1.04 [per year], 95%CI 1.01-1.07), Charlson comorbidity index (HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.06-1.36), presence of neurologic deficits (HR 2.53, 95%CI 1.15-5.53) and local abscess formation (HR 3.35, 95%CI 1.39-8.04) as independent risk factors for treatment failure. In contrast, surgery seemed to be associated with a favourable outcome (HR 0.45 (95%CI 0.20-0.997)). SAB patients with VO exhibit a high treatment failure rate. Red flags are older age, comorbidities, neurologic deficits and local abscess formation. Whether these patients benefit from intensified treatment (e.g. radical surgery, prolongation of antibiotics) should be investigated further.

189. Risk Factors and Outcomes of Hematogenous Vertebral Osteomyelitis in Patients with staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia: Results from a 20-year Prospective Cohort

BackgroundHematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis (HVOM) is a rare, but devastating complication of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). Risk factors and outcomes associated with HVOM among patients with SAB remain incompletely understood.MethodsAll adult, hospitalized, non-neutropenic patients with SAB were prospectively enrolled from 1995 to 2015. Additional data was subsequently collected on all patients with HVOM. Diagnosis of HVOM was made either radiographically or microbiologically by culture from the infection site. Patients who underwent lumbar puncture or spinal surgery within 30 days prior to the diagnosis of HVOM were excluded.ResultsOf 2,475 cases of prospectively enrolled patients with SAB, 90 (3.6%) developed HVOM. The most common site of involvement was the lumbar spine (65.6%). MRI was used in the diagnosis of 90% of patients and although only 28.9% underwent bone biopsy, 88.5% of these bone cultures grew S. aureus. Patients with HVOM were more likely to have community-acquired SAB (22.2% vs. 9.9%, P < 0.0001) and persistent bacteremia (47.8% vs. 20.5%, P < 0.0001). Patients with HVOM who required surgical intervention were more likely to have motor deficit (60.9% vs. 21.4%, P = 0.0013) and have associated epidural abscesses (69.6% vs. 44.8%, P = 0.0400). Prolonged antibiotic use for HVOM was common, with 13.3% remaining on therapeutic antibiotics and 16.6% on suppressive therapy at 6 months. This dropped to 2.2% on therapeutic and 15.5% on suppressive therapy at 12 months. All-cause mortality was high in the HVOM cohort at 14.4% at 90-days, increasing to a cumulative 18.9% and 20.0% at 6 and 12-months, respectively. Rates of readmission, recurrent bacteremia, paralysis, and mortality at 6 and 12-months were similar for those who required surgical intervention and those who did not.Demographics, comorbidities, and clinical characteristics of patients with and without hematogenous vertebral osteomyelitis (HVOM) ConclusionHVOM in patients with SAB was associated with high rates of all-cause mortality up to 12 months following date of diagnosis. Patients with community-acquired bacteremia and persistent bacteremia were more likely to develop HVOM.Disclosures Vance G. Fowler, Jr., MD, MHS, Achaogen (Consultant)Actavis (Grant/Research Support)Advanced Liquid Logics (Grant/Research Support)Affinergy (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Affinium (Consultant)Allergan (Grant/Research Support)Ampliphi Biosciences (Consultant)Basilea (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Bayer (Consultant)C3J (Consultant)Cerexa (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Contrafect (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Cubist (Grant/Research Support)Debiopharm (Consultant)Destiny (Consultant)Durata (Consultant)Forest (Grant/Research Support)Genentech (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Integrated Biotherapeutics (Consultant)Janssen (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Karius (Grant/Research Support)Locus (Grant/Research Support)Medical Biosurfaces (Grant/Research Support)Medicines Co. (Consultant)Medimmune (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Merck (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)NIH (Grant/Research Support)Novadigm (Consultant)Novartis (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Pfizer (Grant/Research Support)Regeneron (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Tetraphase (Consultant)Theravance (Consultant, Research Grant or Support)Trius (Consultant)xBiotech (Consultant)

Vertebral osteomyelitis: Clinical, microbiological and radiological characteristics of 116 patients

Introduction/ObjectivesTo describe the clinical, radiological and microbiological characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis patients, analysing the factors that played a role on their outcome. Patients and methodsSingle-centre retrospective observational study including patients diagnosed with vertebral osteomyelitis, based on the combination of clinical presentation with either a definitive bacteriological diagnosis and/or imaging studies. Results116 adult patients were included with a mean age of 62.75 (14.98) years. Males predominated (68.10%). Eighteen patients (15.51%) were immunosuppressed. The most frequent symptom was back pain (99.14%) followed by fever, which was detected in 45 patients (38.79%). Puncture-aspiration or biopsy was performed in 84 patients (72.10%) and its culture was positive in 48 samples (57.14%). Gram positive species predominated (73.86%) on cultures, followed by Gram negative (12.5%), mycobacteria (10.23%) and fungi (3.41%). No microorganism was identified in 28 patients (24.14%). On imaging, most of the patients (92.24%) had paravertebral or epidural abscess. 63 cases (54.31%) showed vertebral destruction and 39 (33.62%) cord compression. Twenty-two patients (18.97%) required further surgical procedures and 13 (11.21%) died. ConclusionsThe average patient is middle aged (often male) with a history of subacute back pain, sometimes presenting fever and/or neurological damage on diagnosis. Acute phase reactants are frequently raised. Diabetes mellitus, endocarditis and immunosuppressed patients may have the worst chance of a good outcome, therefore these patients should be more carefully managed (always try to obtain an imaging-guided biopsy, correct antibiotic treatment, and a functional and clinical follow-up).

Clinical effectiveness of flucloxacillin delivery using an elastomeric device for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

There has been a surging interest in using elastomeric infusion devices to deliver outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), which is more cost-effective than standard antibiotic administration, which requires multiple daily home visits. This has been particularly important since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, because reducing patient contact can also help to minimise transmission of COVID-19 to outpatients who are at a high risk of COVID-19-triggered complications. In this retrospective study, the clinical effectiveness of intravenous (IV) infusion of flucloxacillin using an elastomeric device was explored in a convenience sample of patients. Patients with three primary infective diagnoses-bloodstream infection, non-vertebral osteomyelitis and vertebral osteomyelitis-were included in the analyses. In non-vertebral osteomyelitis patients, Accufuser antibiotic infusion shortened the course of OPAT care relative to standard antibiotic administration (p<.05). In contrast, in vertebral osteomyelitis patients, it prolonged the course of OPAT care relative to standard administration (p<.05). In patients with bloodstream infections, no significant difference was found between the treatment modes (p=.93). Thus, the clinical effectiveness of Accufuser antibiotic infusion varies among patients with different infective diagnoses, and there seems to be a complex relationship between the method of antibiotic delivery and the patient's condition.

Vertebral osteomyelitis: Clinical, microbiological and radiological characteristics of 116 patients

Introduction/ObjectivesTo describe the clinical, radiological and microbiological characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis patients, analysing the factors that played a role on their outcome. Patients and methodsSingle-centre retrospective observational study including patients diagnosed with vertebral osteomyelitis, based on the combination of clinical presentation with either a definitive bacteriological diagnosis and/or imaging studies. Results116 adult patients were included with a mean age of 62.75 (14.98) years. Males predominated (68.10%). Eighteen patients (15.51%) were immunosuppressed. The most frequent symptom was back pain (99.14%) followed by fever, which was detected in 45 patients (38.79%). Puncture-aspiration or biopsy was performed in 84 patients (72.10%) and its culture was positive in 48 samples (57.14%). Gram positive species predominated (73.86%) on cultures, followed by Gram negative (12.5%), mycobacteria (10.23%) and fungi (3.41%). No microorganism was identified in 28 patients (24.14%). On imaging, most of the patients (92.24%) had paravertebral or epidural abscess. 63 cases (54.31%) showed vertebral destruction and 39 (33.62%) cord compression. Twenty-two patients (18.97%) required further surgical procedures and 13 (11.21%) died. ConclusionsThe average patient is middle aged (often male) with a history of subacute back pain, sometimes presenting fever and/or neurological damage on diagnosis. Acute phase reactants are frequently raised. Diabetes mellitus, endocarditis and immunosuppressed patients may have the worst chance of a good outcome, therefore these patients should be more carefully managed (always try to obtain an imaging-guided biopsy, correct antibiotic treatment, and a functional and clinical follow-up).

The diagnostic value of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) for the discrimination of vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine

BackgroundThere is still a challenge in discriminating between vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine. To this end, we determined the suitability of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and compared the diagnostic potential of suPAR to CRP.MethodsPatients underwent surgical stabilization of the lumbar and/or thoracic spine with removal of one or more affected intervertebral discs, as therapy for vertebral osteomyelitis (n = 16) or for erosive osteochondrosis (control group, n = 20). In this prospective study, we evaluated the suPAR and CRP levels before (pre-OP) and after surgery (post-OP) on days 3–5, 6–11, 40–56, and 63–142.ResultsThe suPAR levels in vertebral osteomyelitis patients were significantly higher than those from controls pre-OP, 3–5 days post-OP, and 6–11 days post-OP. Significantly higher CRP levels were observed in the vertebral osteomyelitis group than in the controls pre-OP and 6–11 days post-OP. Levels of suPAR and CRP correlated positively in all patients in the pre-OP period: r = 0.63 (95% CI: 0.37–0.79), p < 0.0001. The values for the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) for pre-OP and the overall model post-OP were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.76–1.00) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71–0.97) for suPAR, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.85–1.00) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62–0.93) for CRP, and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00) and 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82–1.00) for the combination of suPAR and CRP. The AUC for suPAR pre-OP revealed an optimum cut-off value, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of 2.96 ng/mL, 0.69, 1.00, 0.80, and 1.00, respectively. For CRP, these values were 11.58 mg/L, 0.88, 0.90, 0.90, and 0.88, respectively.ConclusionThe present results show that CRP is more sensitive than suPAR whereas suPAR is more specific than CRP. Moreso, our study demonstrated that improvement in the diagnostic power for discrimination of vertebral osteomyelitis and degenerative diseases of the spine can be achieved by a combination of both suPAR and CRP.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02554227, posted Sept. 18, 2015, and updated Aug. 13, 2019

Mycobacterium Avium complex vertebral osteomyelitis in the absence of HIV infection: a case report and review

BackgroundMycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) is an established microbiologic cause of pulmonary disease, lymphadenitis, and disseminated disease in cases of advanced immune suppression. However, MAC manifesting as vertebral osteomyelitis is less common, and is particularly rare in the absence of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Prompt diagnosis of MAC vertebral osteomyelitis is challenging, but necessary to prevent serious morbidity or mortality.Case presentationWe report a case of MAC osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine in a 70-year-old woman on extended duration corticosteroid therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus who presented with progressive back pain. Upon presentation, imaging revealed osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine with associated paraspinal abscess. Cultures from the surgical evacuation of the paraspinal abscess yielded no pathogen growth and she was therefore treated with empiric antibacterial therapy. Two weeks after her initial hospital discharge she represented with severe back pain and radiologic evidence of progressive disease in her lumbar spine. Two additional vertebral biopsies were required during her first 2 weeks of admission. MAC eventually grew from culture 14 days after collection. She was treated with ethambutol and rifampin and her symptoms resolved in 2 weeks, though therapy was continued for 12 months.ConclusionsMAC is an unusual cause of vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with AIDS, but is exceedingly rare in those without severe immune compromise. Despite its rarity, it must be considered in cases of vertebral osteomyelitis that do not respond to empiric antibiotic therapy. Multiple biopsies may be necessary to obtain a diagnosis and avoid destructive infectious complications of an untreated infection.

Factors influencing culture positivity in pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis patients with prior antibiotic exposure.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate factors influencing tissue culture positivity in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis exposed to antibiotics before diagnosis. Tissue culture was positive in 48.3% (28/58) of the patients, and the median antibiotic-free period was 1.5 days (range, 0.7 to 5.7 days). In a multivariate analysis, a higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 1.07 to 1.29) and open surgical biopsy (aOR, 6.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 35.86) were associated with tissue culture positivity.

Vertebral osteomyelitis: an under-recognized infectious complication in patients on home parenteral nutrition.

BackgroundPatients on home parenteral nutrition (HPN) are at high risk of central venous catheter sepsis (CVCS). CVCS can be associated with distant bacterial seeding. However, few cases of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) related to HPN have been reported. For this reason, we made the hypothesis that the incidence of VO in patients on HPN is probably higher than what is reported. The goal of this study was to evaluate the incidence of infectious complications, and more specifically, the incidence of VO in patients on HPN.MethodsA retrospective study of all patients receiving HPN from 2001 to 2006 was conducted. Patients who received HPN for < 1 month were excluded. Infectious complications and, more specifically, cases of VO were searched.ResultsThirty-one patients received HPN and were included in the analysis. Forty-four infectious complications occurred (1.302/1,000 CVC-days). The most frequent infectious complication was urinary tract infection (25 cases; 0.740/1,000 CVC-days). Seven CVCS occurred in five different patients (0.207/1,000 CVC-days). In patients with CVCS, 42.9% (three cases) developed a secondary VO. No predictive factors for the development of VO could be identified in univariate analysis.ConclusionWe report a very low rate of infectious complications and an even lower rate of CVCS in patients on HPN. However, we report that 42.9% of our cases of CVCS developed a secondary VO. Consequently, VO must be part of the differential diagnosis among patients with HPN who complain of back pain.

Clinical characteristics of infective endocarditis with vertebral osteomyelitis

The relationship between infective endocarditis (IE) and vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is uncertain. This study investigates the incidence of VO in patients with IE and the outcome of IE-associated VO. Among 58 patients with IE at Musashino Red Cross Hospital from January 2002 to July 2009, 11 patients (19.0%) had VO. Back pain was reported in all cases with VO. Because the antibiotics treatment for VO should continue for 6-8 weeks, hospital stay was significantly longer for patients with VO (75.8 +/- 41.0 days) compared to patients without VO (42.6 +/- 30.4 days; P = 0.0035). Although 6 hospital deaths (15.8%) occurred among the patients without VO, there were no hospital deaths among patients with VO. The 30- and 80-month survival was not significantly different between the patients with VO and without VO (30-month: 88.9% vs 81.7%, 80-month: 88.9% vs 74.3%, respectively). When specifically sought, the incidence of VO is high in patients with IE. VO does not appear to worsen the prognosis of IE, although the need for long hospital stays seems to be more frequent.

The clinical significance of concurrent Staphylococcus aureus bacteriuria in patients with S. aureus bacteremia

To investigate the clinical significance of Staphylococcus aureus bacteriuria (SABU) in patients with S. aureus bacteremia (SAB). We reviewed clinical data for 203 patients with SAB from January 2006 to July 2007 in a tertiary care hospital. In all patients, blood and urine cultures were performed concurrently. Among these cases, we compared clinical data between patients with and without SABU. To rule out mere colonization of S. aureus through indwelling urinary catheters (IDUC), we excluded patients using IDUC and then repeated the analyses. Concurrent SABU was observed in 31 of 203 patients (15.3%). In patients without an IDUC, 25 of 128 (19.5%) were positive for SABU. Concurrent SABU was associated with methicillin-susceptible, community-onset SAB, urinary tract obstruction/surgery, urinary tract infection, and vertebral osteomyelitis in patients with SAB. In patients without an IDUC, methicillin-susceptible SAB, urinary tract obstruction, urinary tract infection, and vertebral osteomyelitis were associated with concurrent SABU. Finally, concurrent SABU was not associated with the severity and fatality of SAB. We found that SABU was not a result of colonization via IDUC, but instead is a frequent concomitant of SAB. In septic conditions, especially without IDUC, SABU may indicate SAB with foci of infection in the urinary tract or the vertebral column.

Cervical osteomyelitis caused by Burkholderia cepacia after rhinoplasty

Burkholderia cepacia, previously known as Pseudomonas cepacia, has been implicated in vertebral osteomyelitis in patients who are intravenous drug abusers. We report a case of acute vertebral osteomyelitis in a non-intravenous drug user, following an elective rhinoplasty.

Systemic Leptospirosis Followed by Salmonella Vertebral Osteomyelitis Without Sickling or Immunosuppression

The clinical history of a healthy young patient who acquired systemic leptospirosis followed by salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis was studied in detail, and compared to the histories of leptospirosis and salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis reported in the literature. To alert the medical community about this unusual association of infectious diseases in a healthy patient without sickling or immunosuppression. Human leptospirosis has been intensively studied, and there are several reports of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis in patients without sickling. However, the combination of these entities in a single healthy patient is unexpected. The extensive literature on human leptospirosis and salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis was reviewed in detail, in correlation with this patient's clinical history and imaging studies. The patient had no previous medical history. He contracted systemic leptospirosis when swimming in a lake contaminated with the urine of infected animals. As his leptospirosis symptoms resolved with doxycycline, he experienced increasing thoracolumbar spine pain, because of salmonella vertebral osteomyelitis, which responded to amoxicillin. Leptospirosis may have caused gut mucosal vasculitis, allowing salmonella to enter the bloodstream and infect the spine.