A high incidence of infections has been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, either due to intrinsic factors or as a side effect of immunosuppressive agents used for treatment. The present article provides an overview of incidence and distribution patterns of septic complications in RA.
We prospectively assessed all data from RA patients who underwent in-patient treatment for septic complications in the 3-year period from 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2009. All disease- and infection-specific data were gathered and analysed.
Of the 36 cases in total, infection was localized in the rheumatoid foot in 23 patients (64%) and at the lower extremities in 32 (89%). The bacterial spectrum was heterogenous, with Staphylococcus aureus representing the most frequent causative agent. In total, 34 of 36 cases were cured.
Since approximately 2/3 of all infections occur in the rheumatoid foot, regular foot examinations to identify predisposing deformities and/or ensure early diagnosis of existing infections are recommended.