Investigations of Hospitalized Cases of Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis

Abstract

Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis is difficult to diagnose and treat. The duration of antibiotic therapy, the administration of treatment, and several other factors regarding pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis remain controversial. The aim of this investigation was to examine its diagnosis and treatment and consider possible solutions. This was a retrospective study of 11 cases of hospitalized patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, including their diagnosis, treatment, and other factors. The diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis was confirmed with the combination of imaging and biological evidence. The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) level served as an index to determine the duration of therapy. The duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was 3–63 (median 10) days. Rate of positive blood cultures were obtained in 8 cases (72.7%). The most frequent comorbidity was infective endocarditis in 4 cases (36.6%). Affected vertebrae were lumber spine in 9 cases (81.8%) and multiple level involvement in 8 cases (72.7%). The mean duration of antibiotic therapy was 69.6 ± 17.9 days, with no recurrence. Patients diagnosed with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis require careful examination for infective endocarditis. Lumber level and multiple level involvement were more frequent than had previously been reported. Based on our experience, C-reactive Protein (CRP) is more useful than ESR as an index to evaluate the clinical response to therapy and may help determine the duration of treatment. It is important for general physicians to monitor vertebral osteomyelitis properly and provide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.