web analytics

Description

A number of risk factors may be associated with a poor prognosis for a patient with bacterial arthritis. A patient with one or more risk factors may require more aggressive therapy and closer monitoring.


Parameters:

(1) age

(2) specific joints affected

(3) number of affected joints

(4) pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis

(5) duration of symptoms before therapy

(6) time to negative culture after starting appropriate therapy

 

Parameter

Finding

Points

age

<= 60 years

0

 

> 60 years

1

specific joints affected

hip or shoulder

1

 

other

0

number of joints affected

<= 4

0

 

> 4

1

pre-existing rheumatoid arthritis

no

0

 

yes

1

duration of symptoms before therapy

<= 7 days

0

 

> 7 days

1

time to negative culture

<= 7 days

0

 

> 7 days

1

 

number of risk factors =

= SUM(points for all 6 risk factors)

 

Interpretation:

• minimum score: 0

• maximum score: 6

• The more risk factors present, the greater the risk for a poor outcome.


To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.