Pan-PCR Diagnostic Efficacy in Comparison with Traditional Methods in Patients with Septic Arthritis

TL;DR

This study compares the diagnostic accuracy of pan-PCR and traditional culture methods in diagnosing septic arthritis in Iranian patients.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that pan-PCR has higher diagnostic accuracy than synovial culture for septic arthritis.

Findings

56% of the 50 patients were male, with a mean age of 50.48.

Synovial WBC counts were significantly associated with positive culture results.

Pan-PCR showed higher accuracy than synovial culture in diagnosing septic arthritis.

Abstract

Septic arthritis is an emergent condition caused by an infection of the joint synovial fluid. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible damage to the affected joint. Our study focused on providing a concise profile of the Iranian population and the diagnostic roles of synovial pan-PCR and culture.

In an observational study, we evaluated the characteristics of all patients diagnosed with septic arthritis and admitted to a teaching center hospital complex. We extracted and analyzed the study of population's demographics and laboratory values.

This study included 50 patients diagnosed with septic arthritis. 56% of our study population were male, and the mean age was 50.48. There were significant associations between synovial WBC counts and positive synovial culture results. Further comparison of the two diagnostic methods revealed higher pan-PCR accuracy than synovial culture.

Pan-PCR may have higher diagnostic accuracy than synovial culture in hospitalized patients with septic arthritis.