[Home intravenous antibiotic therapy for osteomyelitis patients].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate both the safety and the costeffectiveness of the Home Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy (HIAT) program for the treatment of patients with osteomyelitis in the district of Haifa and Western Galilee.


METHODS
We checked the medical records of all the patients with osteomyelitis who had been treated at home with intravenous antibiotics during 1999-2000. We reviewed their records for etiological agents, types of antibiotics given, complications and cost evaluation.


RESULTS
During the two year period (January 1999 to December 2000), 52 patients received 55 courses of HIAT. The total duration of treatments was 1187 days. Eighty-five percent of the patients were referred from clinical departments from one of the medical centers in our area. In 54.6% of cases the infecting agent is unknown. Among the known ones, Staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most prevalent pathogens. Penicillins and Cephalosporins were the most common antimicrobial agent prescribed. The HIAT program saved NIS. 1,299,765 (approx. $365,000) during 1999-2000. Only minor complications were present.


CONCLUSIONS
HIAT for the treatment of patients with osteomyelitis is effective, safe and comfortable for the patients and has an important economic impact.
Steinmetz
Dov
D
Infectíous Diseases Unit, Afula Hospital, Clalit Health Services.
Edelstein
Hana
H
Berkovits
Eldar
E
Raz
Raul
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents