Osteoarticular complications of brucellosis.
Two hundred and sixty three patients with a diagnosis of brucellosis between January 1984 and December 1987 were studied prospectively. Sixty five patients (25%) developed osteoarticular complications. These patients had a more prolonged course than those with no complications. Spondylitis in 38 (58%) and sacroiliitis in 29 (45%) were the most prevalent. There were no significant laboratory, serological, or bacteriological differences between patients with and without osteoarticular complications. At diagnosis 47 patients (72%) showed radiographic abnormalities, commonly in axial sites but rarely in peripheral sites. Radionuclide bone scan was positive with no radiographic abnormalities in 17 (26%) of cases. Fifty seven patients received medical treatment alone, 51 (89%) being cured with a single course of treatment. Treatment failed or there was a relapse in six patients (11%), of whom five had spondylitis. Eight of the 65 patients (12%), all of whom had spondylitis and paravertebral or epidural abscesses, also required surgical treatment.
Colmenero
J D
JD
Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Regional Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain.
Reguera
J M
JM
Fernández-Nebro
A
A
Cabrera-Franquelo
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012293:Rifampin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012446:Sacroiliac Joint / Q000473:pathology; D013131:Spine / Q000473:pathology; D013307:Streptomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004318:Doxycycline; D012293:Rifampin; D013307:Streptomycin