title: "Pseudoseptic" arthritis complicating rheumatoid arthritis: a report of six cases.
abstract: Six cases of a severe, sterile, inflammatory arthritis mimicking septic arthritis occurred in 328 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over a 4-year period. Four patients were poorly controlled by or had recently discontinued a disease modifying antirheumatic drug. Five improved after receiving increased glucocorticoid therapy. Radiographs showed no accelerated joint destruction after a mean followup of 29.5 months (range 8-49). Recognition of "pseudoseptic" arthritis occurring in the course of RA permits appropriate therapy and avoids extended antibiotic treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045-5000.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Singleton
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Nordstrom
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D001175:Arthrography; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013256:Steroids
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013256:Steroids