Full Guidelines-From the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation: Perioperative management of systemic immunomodulatory agents in patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis

BACKGROUND

Systemic immunomodulatory agents are indicated in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Perioperative use of these medications may increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) and complication.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the risk of SSI and complication in patients with chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease receiving immunomodulatory agents (tumor necrosis factor-alfa [TNF-α] inhibitors, interleukin [IL] 12/23 inhibitor, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 costimulator, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, Janus kinase inhibitors, tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, cyclosporine (CsA), and methotrexate [MTX]) undergoing surgery.

METHODS

We performed a search of the MEDLINE PubMed database of patients with chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease on immune therapy undergoing surgery.

RESULTS

We examined 48 new or previously unreviewed studies; the majority were retrospective studies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

CONCLUSION

For low-risk procedures, TNF-α inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, ustekinumab, abatacept, MTX, CsA, and apremilast can safely be continued. For intermediate- and high-risk surgery, MTX, CsA, apremilast, abatacept, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, and ustekinumab are likely safe to continue; however, a case-by-case approach is advised. Acitretin can be continued for any surgery. There is insufficient evidence to make firm recommendations on tofacitinib, upadacitinib, and deucravacitinib.

Safety of esthetic procedures in rheumatic patients: single-center survey of patients

The popularity of esthetic medicine is growing every year, also among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRD). The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of esthetic medicine (AM) procedures in patients with AIRD. A semi-structured, anonymous questionnaire regarding rheumatic and concomitant diseases and AM procedures was distributed among adult patients hospitalized in the rheumatology department or attending outpatient clinic in the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology, and Rehabilitation, Warsaw. The main outcome was the occurrence of an adverse event. A number of 512 patients took part in the survey and 15 were excluded (AM procedure preceded the diagnosis of AIRD). The study group consisted of 497 patients, of whom 47 had undergone AM procedures. The procedures performed included: tattooing (22 patients), piercing (16 patients), hyaluronic acid (7 patients), botulinum toxin (5 patients) injections, laser procedures (6 patients), plastic surgery (4 patients), mesotherapy (3 patients) and others. The vast majority of patients had these performed during remission or low disease activity. 70.2% of patients received treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) during the AM procedure, with TNF-alfa inhibitors being the most common (63.6%). Adverse events occurred in 15% of patients. All were mild and transient site reactions. Most patients would like to repeat the AM procedure in the future. The use of esthetic medicine procedures in patients with AIRD, including those treated with biologic DMARDs, was associated with a risk of mild site reactions. Most of the patients expressed satisfaction with the results of the AM procedure.

Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Do Not Increase Risk for Prosthetic Joint Infection in Setting of Total Knee Arthroplasty

Over 25% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are expected to undergo a joint replacement during their lifetime. Current practice guidelines recommend withholding biologic therapy 1 week prior to total hip arthroplasty, given its immunosuppressive effects. Most patients are on a regimen including biologic and nonbiologic therapy; however, the individual influences of these therapies are not well understood in the setting of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, we sought to compare biologic, nonbiologic, and recipients of both types of therapy in patients with RA undergoing TKA. We specifically assessed (1) medical complications at 90 days; (2) surgical complications up to 1 year; and (3) independent risk factors for prosthetic joint infections (PJIs).A retrospective review was conducted using a national, all-payer database for patients undergoing primary TKA from January 2010 to April 2020 (n = 1.97 million). Patients diagnosed with RA were then separated into at least 1-year users of biologic (n = 3,092), nonbiologic (28,299), or dual (n = 10,949) therapy. Bivariate analyses were utilized to assess for 90-day medical and up to 1-year surgical outcomes. Additionally, multivariate regression models were utilized to assess for independent risk factors.The incidence and odds ratio for medical/surgical outcomes were equivocal among the biologic, nonbiologic, and recipients receiving both types of therapy (p > 0.061). No differences were observed between the type of therapy as additional risk factors for infection (p > 0.505). However, glucocorticoids at 90 days and alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, obesity, as well as tobacco use were identified as additional risk factors for PJI(p < 0.036).No appreciable differences in medical or surgical outcomes were associated with the independent use of biologic, nonbiologic, or recipients of both types of therapy in patients with RA. Additionally, alcohol abuse, diabetes mellitus, glucocorticoids, obesity, and tobacco use conferred an increased risk of PJI. These results can serve as an adjunct to current practice guidelines.

Effect of tumour necrosis factor-a inhibitors exposure on surgical site infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis investigation was executed to evaluate the effect of tumour necrosis factor-a inhibitor exposure on surgical site infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. A comprehensive literature investigation till October 2023 was applied, and 82 470 individuals with orthopaedic surgery were in the chosen investigations' starting point. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was utilized to compute the value of the effect of tumour necrosis factor-a inhibitors exposure on surgical site infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery by the dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random model. Tumour necrosis factor uses had significantly higher surgical site infections (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.21-2.25, p = 0.001) compared with tumour necrosis factor non-use in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. However, no significant difference was found between discontinued and continued tumour necrosis factor on surgical site infections (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.35-1.05, p = 0.07) in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery.Significantly higher surgical site infections was found comparing tumour necrosis factor uses to non-use; however, no significant difference was found between discontinued and continued tumour necrosis factor on surgical site infections in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. However, care must be exercised when dealing with its values because of the low sample size of some of the nominated investigations for the meta-analysis.

Does Prednisone Dose Affect Rates of Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Primary Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Prednisone use is associated with higher rates of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, the relationship between prednisone dosage and infection risk is ill-defined. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between prednisone dosage and rates of PJI following TJA.

METHODS

A national database was queried for all elective total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients between 2015 and 2020. Patients who received oral prednisone following TJA were matched in a 1:2 ratio based on age and sex to patients who did not. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the 90-day risk of infectious complications based on prednisone dosage as follows: 0 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 20, 21 to 30, and >30 milligrams. Overall, 1,322,043 patients underwent elective TJA (35.9% THA, 64.1% TKA). Of these, 14,585 (1.1%) received prednisone and were matched to 29,170 patients who did not.

RESULTS

After controlling for confounders, TKA patients taking prednisone were at increased risk for sepsis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.76, P < .001), PJI (aOR 2.67, P < .001), and surgical site infection (aOR: 2.56, P = .035). THA patients taking prednisone were at increased risk for sepsis (aOR: 3.21, P < .001) and PJI (aOR: 1.73, P = .001). No dose-dependent relationship between prednisone and infectious complications was identified when TJA was assessed in aggregate.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving prednisone following TJA were at increased risk of PJI and sepsis. A dose-dependent relationship between prednisone and infectious complications was not identified. Arthroplasty surgeons should be aware of these risks and counsel TJA patients who receive prednisone therapy.

Perioperative treatment with TNF inhibitors does not affect survival of total hip arthroplasty in inflammatory arthritis: a registry-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of perioperative exposure to TNF inhibitors (TNFi) on the long-term survival of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in inflammatory arthritis patients from a large regional register of arthroplasty procedures (RIPO).

METHODS

This study is a retrospective analysis of data from RIPO for THAs performed between 2008 and 2019. After extraction of the procedures of interest from the RIPO dataset, cross-matching with administrative databases were used to identify patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), primary osteoarthritis (OA), and treatments of interest. Three different cohorts of patients were identified: perioperative TNFi-treated patients (6 months before or after the surgery), perioperative non-bDMARD/tsDMARD (biologic or targeted-synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs), and OA.

RESULTS

At an average follow-up of 5 years, survival rates (using any revision surgery as an endpoint) were not significantly different when perioperative TNFi users and non-bDMARD/tsDMARD patients were compared (p = 0.713), and between TNFi-treated and OA controls (p = 0.123). At the latest available follow-up, 2.5% patients in the TNFi cohort, 3% in the non-bDMARD/tsDMARD cohort, and 0.8% in the OA cohort underwent revision surgery. No significant differences were found comparing the risk of postoperative infection or aseptic loosening among groups.

CONCLUSION

Risk of revision surgery is not increased in patients with inflammatory arthritis perioperatively exposed to TNFi. Our results support the long-term safety of this class of molecules on survival of prosthetic implants.

The Impact of Perioperative Use of Nonbiologic Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs on Perioperative Blood Loss and Complications in Patients Who Have Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was associated with increased risk of postoperative periprosthetic joint and wound infections as well as worse platelet function in patients who have knee rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study investigated the effects of DMARDS on perioperative blood loss, complications, and blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKA for knee RA.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled patients undergoing TKA for knee RA at our hospital between 2017 and 2021 who received DMARDs (n = 73) or not (n = 84). Every RA patient was matched with patients who had osteoarthritis (OA) in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. Primary outcomes were intraoperative and perioperative blood losses, while secondary outcomes were complications and allogeneic transfusions.

RESULTS

The mean total (804 versus 728 mL (mL), P = .114), mean intraoperative (113 versus 101 mL, P = .488), or hidden blood losses (705 versus 640 mL, P = .340) did not differ statistically between RA patients who received DMARDs versus those who did not. RA patients who received DMARDs showed significantly greater mean total (804 versus 654 mL, P = .001), intraoperative (113 versus 75 mL, P = .002), and hidden blood losses (705 versus 560 mL, P = .016) than OA patients. No statistical differences were found in complications or allogeneic transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Although RA patients experienced greater perioperative blood loss than OA patients, there was no statistical difference in perioperative blood loss, complications, or allogeneic transfusions between RA patients who received DMARDs and those who did not.

Radiological assessment and surgical management of cervical spine involvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

The purpose of the present systematic review was to describe the diagnostic evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis in the cervical spine to provide a better understanding of the indications and options of surgical intervention. We performed a literature review of Pub-med, Embase, and Scopus database. Upon implementing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, all eligible articles were identified. A total of 1878 patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) were evaluated for cervical spine involvement with plain radiographs. Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) ranged from 16.4 to 95.7% in plain radiographs while sub-axial subluxation ranged from 10 to 43.6% of cases. Anterior atlantodental interval (AADI) was found to between 2.5 mm and 4.61 mm in neutral and flexion position respectively, while Posterior Atlantodental Interval (PADI) was between 20.4 and 24.92 mm. 660 patients with RA had undergone an MRI. A pannus diagnosis ranged from 13.33 to 85.36% while spinal cord compression was reported in 0-13% of cases. When it comes to surgical outcomes, Atlanto-axial joint (AAJ) fusion success rates ranged from 45.16 to 100% of cases. Furthermore, the incidence of postoperative subluxation ranged from 0 to 77.7%. With regards to AADI it is evident that its value decreased in all studies. Furthermore, an improvement in Ranawat classification was variable between studies with a report improvement frequency by at least one class ranging from 0 to 54.5%. In conclusion, through careful radiographic and clinical evaluation, cervical spine involvement in patients with RA can be detected. Surgery is a valuable option for these patients and can lead to improvement in their symptoms.

Safety of microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction of the head and neck in the setting of chronic pharmacologic immunosuppression

BACKGROUND

Patients on chronic pharmacologic immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of wound infection and complications after surgery. There is a paucity of data examining perioperative complications after microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) reconstruction of the head and neck in this patient population.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study performed at two tertiary referral centers between August 2016 and May 2020.

RESULTS

Nine hundred and seventy-nine patients underwent MVFTT during the study period; of these 47 (5%) patients were taking chronic immunosuppressive medications. The most common indications for immunosuppression were solid organ transplant and autoimmune disease. Fourteen (30%) patients had surgical complications within 30 days of surgery: 8 (17%) wound dehiscences, 6 (12%) hematomas, and 2 (4%) surgical site infections. There was one total and one partial flap failure with a 30-day reoperation rate of 4%.

CONCLUSIONS

MVFTT of the head and neck appears to be safe in patients on chronic pharmacologic immunosuppression.

Does Dosage or Duration of Concurrent Oral Corticosteroid Influence Elevated Risk of Postoperative Complications After Total Joint Arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

This report seeks to clarify whether the dosage and duration of preoperative concurrent corticosteroid use influence postoperative complications after primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA).

METHODS

This retrospective single institutional study enrolled 1128 primary TJA cases, including 905 total hip arthroplasties and 223 total knee arthroplasties at a minimum 6 months of follow-up. Mean follow-up period was 51.9 ± 34.1 months (range 6-146). Of all joints, 120 joints (10.6%) were associated with chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid use. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify whether chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid use elevated the risk of postoperative complications including surgical site infection/periprosthetic joint infection, delayed wound healing, periprosthetic fracture, and implant loosening. For chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid user, we determined whether the dosage and duration of preoperative concurrent corticosteroid use influenced postoperative complications and have an effective threshold for postoperative complications using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis revealed that American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status 3 was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications, while concurrent oral corticosteroid use was not an independent risk factor. When we compared joints with (n = 13) and without (n = 107) postoperative complications in chronic concurrent oral corticosteroid user, there was no statistical difference in the dosage (P = .97) and duration (P = .69) between the 2 groups. Area under the curve values for the oral corticosteroid dosages and duration were 0.482 and 0.549, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that neither dosage nor duration of concurrent oral corticosteroid use was predictive of postoperative complications after TJA. American Society of Anesthesiologist Physical Status 3 is a major factor in postoperative complications after TJA.

Are deep infections that present before and after 90 days from orthopaedic trauma different? An analysis of the validity of the recent change in CDC criteria for infections

BACKGROUND

In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the time frame for their definition of deep surgical site infection (SSI) from within 1 year to within 90 days of surgery. We hypothesized that a substantial number of infections in patients who have undergone fracture fixation present beyond 90 days and that there are patient or injury factors that can predict who is more likely to present with SSI after 90 days.

METHODS

A retrospective review yielded 452 deep SSI after fracture fixation. These patients were divided into two groups-those infected within 90 days of surgery and those infected beyond 90 days . Data were collected on risk factors for infection. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the two groups. A randomly selected control group was used to build infection prediction models for both outcomes. The two outcomes were then modelled against each other to determine whether differences in predictors for early versus late infection exist.

RESULTS

Of the 452 infections, 144 occurred beyond 90 days (32% [95% CI, 28%-36%]). No statistically significant patient factors were found in multivariable analysis between the early and late infection groups. The need for flap coverage was the only injury characteristic that differed significantly between groups, with patients in the late infection group more likely to have needed a flap. When modelled against the control group and directly comparing the two models, predictors for early infection include male sex and fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, or hip, whereas predictors of late infection include hepatitis C and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

CONCLUSION

Use of the recent CDC definition will underestimate the rate of actual postoperative infections when applied to orthopaedic trauma patients. Hepatitis C and/or HIV and ICU admission are predictors of late infection, whereas male sex and pelvis, acetabulum, or hip fractures are predictors of early infection. Patients who receive flap coverage may be more likely to present with late infection.

The association of preoperative TNF-alpha inhibitor use and reoperation rates in spinal fusion surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Preoperative TNF-AI use has been associated with increased rate of postoperative infections and complications in a variety of orthopedic procedures. However, the association between TNF-AI use and complications following spine surgery has not yet been studied.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to assess the risk of reoperation in patients prescribed TNF-AI undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective review.

PATIENT SAMPLE

A total of 427 patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery at a large healthcare system from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2018.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Reoperation within 1 year.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent spinal fusion surgery at a large healthcare system from 1/1/2009 to 12/31/2018. There were three distinct cohorts of spine surgery patients under study: patients with TNF-AI use in 90 days before surgery, patients with non-TNF-AI DMARD medications use in the 90 days before surgery, and patients taking neither TNF-AI nor other DMARD medications in 90 days before surgery. The primary outcome of interest was reoperation for any reason within 1 year following surgery.

RESULTS

Our study included 90 TNF-AI, 90 DMARD, and 123 control patients. Reoperation up to 1-year postsurgery occurred in 19% (n=17) of the TNF-AI group, 11% (n=10) of the DMARD group, and 6% (n=7) of the control group. The reasons for reoperation for TNF-AI group were 47% (n=8) infection and 53% (n=9) other causes which included failure to fuse and adjacent segment disease. Reasons for reoperation at 1 year were 40% (n=4) infection and 60% (n=6) other causes for DMARD patients and 14% (n=1) infection with 86% (n=6) other causes for control patients. The cox-proportional hazard model of reoperation within 1 year indicated that the odds of reoperation were 3.1 (95% CI:1.4-7.0) and 2.2 (95% CI 0.96-5.3) times higher in the TNF-AI and DMARD groups, respectively, compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients taking TNF-AIs before surgery were found to have a significantly higher rate of reoperation in the 1 year following surgery compared to controls. The higher rate of reoperation associated with TNF-AI use before spinal fusion surgery represents the potential for higher morbidity and costs for patient which is important to consider for both surgeon and patient in preoperative decision making.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Total Ankle Arthroplasty Between End-Stage Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

BACKGROUND

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is known to be a reliable operative option for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis. However, higher risk of postoperative complications related to chronic inflammation and immunosuppressive treatment is still a concern. With the use of a newer prosthesis and modification of anti-rheumatic medications, we compared clinical outcomes after TAA between patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

Forty-five patients with end-stage osteoarthritis (OA group) and 19 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA group) were followed for more than 3 years after 3 component mobile-bearing TAA (Zenith^TM). Perioperative anti-rheumatic medications were modified using an established guideline used in total hip and knee arthroplasty. Clinical evaluations consisted of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM).

RESULTS

In the preoperative and postoperative evaluation at final follow-up, there were no significant differences in AOFAS, FAOS, and FAAM scores between 2 groups. Despite statistical similarity in total scores, the OA group showed significantly better scores in FAOS sports and leisure (mean, 57.4 ± 10.1) and FAAM sports activity (mean, 62.5 ± 13.6) subscales than those in the RA group (mean, 52.2 ± 9.8, P = .004; and 56.4 ± 13.2, P < .001, respectively). There were no significant differences in perioperative complication and revision rates between 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with end-stage ankle RA had clinical outcomes comparable to the patients with OA, except for the ability related to sports activities. In addition, there were no significant differences in early postoperative complication rates, including wound problem and infection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, prognostic, prospective comparative study.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Increases Risk of Medical Complications Following Posterior Lumbar Fusion

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic disease with prominent musculoskeletal manifestations that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery; however, few studies have specifically examined postoperative outcomes in patients with RA following lumbar surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether patients with RA who underwent posterior lumbar fusion experienced increased postoperative complications and economic burden compared with patients without RA.

METHODS

Patients <85 years old who underwent elective 1- or 2-level instrumented posterior lumbar fusion for degenerative lumbar pathology between 2006 and 2012 were identified in the Medicare insurance claims database. Same-day revisions and cases for spinal infection, malignancy, and trauma were excluded. The resulting cohort was divided into patients with RA before fusion and patients without RA (controls). All outcomes of interest were compared using multivariate regression. Reoperation-free survival at 1- and 2-year follow-up was analyzed used log-rank test. Significance was defined as P < 0.05.

RESULTS

RA patients had significantly higher risk of 90-day readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, P < 0.001), thromboembolic events (OR = 1.39, P = 0.010), sepsis (OR = 2.32, P < 0.001), pneumonia (OR = 1.57, P = 0.001), and wound complications (OR = 1.41, P < 0.001). Reoperation-free survival was significantly lower in RA patients at 2-year follow-up (90.4% vs. 92.4%, P < 0.001). Following adjusted regression, RA independently contributed to a $1491 increase in additional 90-day costs (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preexisting RA may increase risk for short-term postoperative medical complications following posterior lumbar fusion, specifically infectious events. In addition, patients with RA have higher rates of subsequent reoperation following index surgery. Patients with RA be should counseled regarding these risks.

A Systematic Review to Identify the Effects of Biologics in the Feet of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background and objective: Ninety percent of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) feel foot pain during the disease process. Pharmacological treatment of RA has a systematic effect on the body and includes: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics. The objective of our review was to examine the impact of biologics on patients with RA 'foot. Methods and material: A systematic review of randomized control trials and observational studies that evaluated the efficacy of biologics against other pharmacological treatment, and included a foot outcome measure. The search covered MEDLINE Ovid, Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Evidence Search, and Web of Science. Risk of bias was evaluated using Cochrane guidance and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale adapted version. Results: A total of eight studies fully met the inclusion criteria: Three randomized control trials, and five observational studies were the basis of our review. A total sample of 1856 RA patients with RA treatment participated. The use of biologics was not associated as a risk factor for post-operative surgical site infection or delayed wound healing. The benefits of biologics, in terms of the disease evolution, were assessed using X-ray. Conclusion: Evidence suggests that the use of biologics is not a risk factor for post-operative surgical site infection or delayed wound healing. The use of biologics presents benefits in terms of the disease evolution assessed through X-ray.

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect the Infection and Complications Rates of Spinal Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that produces synovial membrane inflammation and causes progressive articular damage with function loss. Some controversy exists regarding whether RA is associated with infection and complications after spinal surgery. The present study aimed to determine the effect of RA on spinal surgery infection and complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. All studies that had compared patients who had undergone spinal surgery with and without RA were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

We found significantly greater rates statistically of complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-1.70; P < 0.05) and infections (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.46-1.95, P < 0.05) in those with RA than in those without RA after spinal surgery. When registry data were excluded, the results suggested that the incidence of complications (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 0.92-5.44; P = 0.08) and infections (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.50-2.07; P < 0.05) was still greater for the RA group than for the non-RA group.

CONCLUSION

When undergoing spinal surgery, patients with RA have a greater risk of operative complications and infection. Surgeons should be aware of these risks and appropriately plan spinal operation for patients with RA to reduce the risk of complications.

Risk factors of postoperative delayed wound healing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with a biological agent

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the risk factors associated with delayed wound healing (DWH) after orthopedic surgery in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of 276 orthopedic procedures for 187 RA patients treated with bDMARDs. As a preoperative nutritional status assessment, we evaluated body mass index, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT). We evaluated DAS28-CRP, DAS28-ESR, face scale, global health, and HAQ-DI to assess the disease activity. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the risk factors for DWH.

RESULTS

In 276 procedures, DWH was identified in 24 patients (8.7%). Disease duration, foot and ankle surgery, and preoperative use of tocilizumab were significant in the univariate analyses. These variables were entered into a multivariate model, and it was revealed that preoperative use of tocilizumab and procedures in the foot and ankle were associated with an increased risk of DWH.

CONCLUSION

The current retrospective study suggested that preoperative use of tocilizumab and procedures in the foot and ankle were risk factors for DWH.

Anti-rheumatic treatment and prosthetic joint infection: an observational study in 494 elective hip and knee arthroplasties

Background

Surgical site infections are more frequent among patients with rheumatic disease. To what extent this is related to immunosuppressive antirheumatic drugs is unclear, as is the value of discontinuing medication perioperatively. The aim of study was to assess the rate of surgical site infections after knee and hip replacement in patients with inflammatory joint disease, with an emphasis on periprosthetic joint infection, and to investigate the influence of treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in this regard.

Methods

Data were collected from 494 primary elective hip (51.4%) and knee arthroplasties, along with demographic and medication data. The primary outcome was surgical site infection during the first year after surgery.

Results

In 78% (n = 385) of the cases the patient used 1 to 3 disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs perioperatively. Thirty-two percent (n = 157) of patients used a TNF-alpha inhibitor. The rate of surgical site infection was 3.8% (n = 19). The rate of periprosthetic joint infection was 1.4% (n = 7), all of which occurred after knee arthroplasty. Periprosthetic joint infection occurred in only 1 patient medicating perioperatively with a TNF-alpha inhibitor.

Conclusion

Surgical site infections were not associated with ongoing medication with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Due to the low event rate this should be interpreted with caution, but our center will maintain its routine of continuing treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors perioperatively.

Traditional Laboratory Markers Hold Low Diagnostic Utility for Immunosuppressed Patients With Periprosthetic Joint Infections

BACKGROUND

Although predictive laboratory markers and cutoffs for immunocompetent patients are well-studied, similar reference ranges and decision thresholds for immunosuppressed patients are less understood. We investigated the utility of typical laboratory markers in immunosuppressed patients undergoing aspiration of a prosthetic hip or knee joint.

METHODS

A retrospective review of adult patients with an immunosuppressed state that underwent primary and revision total joint arthroplasty with a subsequent infection at our tertiary, academic institution was conducted. Infection was defined by Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. A multivariable analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with acute (<90 days) and chronic (>90 days) infection. Area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) was used to determine the best supported laboratory cut points for identifying infection.

RESULTS

We identified 90 patients with immunosuppression states totaling 172 aspirations. Mean follow-up from aspiration was 33 months. In a multivariate analysis, only synovial fluid cell count and synovial percent neutrophils were found to be independently correlated with both acute and chronic infection. A synovial fluid cell count cutoff value of 5679 nucleated cells/mm³ maximized the AUC (0.839) for predicting acute infection, while a synovial fluid cell count cutoff value of 1293 nucleated cells/mm³ maximized the AUC (0.931) for predicting chronic infection.

CONCLUSION

Physicians should be aware of lower levels of synovial nucleated cell count and percentage of neutrophils in prosthetic joint infections of the hip or knee in patients with immunosuppression. Further investigation is necessary to identify the best means of diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection in this patient population.

Does Abatacept Increase Postoperative Adverse Events in Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared with Conventional Synthetic Disease-modifying Drugs?

Objective.

To investigate whether abatacept (ABA) causes more adverse events (AE) than conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARD) after orthopedic surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

A retrospective multicenter nested case–control study was performed in 18 institutions. Patients receiving ABA (ABA group) were matched individually with patients receiving csDMARD and/or steroids (control group). Postoperative AE included surgical site infection, delayed wound healing, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, flare, and death. The incidence rates of the AE in both groups were compared with the Mantel-Haenszel test. Risk factors for AE were analyzed by logistic regression model.

Results.

A total of 3358 cases were collected. After inclusion and exclusion, 2651 patients were selected for matching, and 194 patients in 97 pairs were chosen for subsequent comparative analyses between the ABA and control groups. No between-group differences were detected in the incidence rates of each AE or in the incidence rates of total AE (control vs ABA: 15.5% vs 20.7% in total, 5.2% vs 3.1% in death).

Conclusion.

Compared with csDMARD and/or steroids without ABA, adding ABA to the treatment does not appear to increase the incidence rates of postoperative AE in patients with RA undergoing orthopedic surgery. Large cohort studies should be performed to add evidence for the perioperative safety profile of ABA.

A risk-stratification algorithm to reduce superficial surgical site complications in primary hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Surgical site complications (SSCs) are the most common cause for readmission after total joint arthroplasty (TJA), increasing costs while predisposing to inferior long-term outcomes. Prophylactic use of closed-incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) may lower the risk of these complications, especially in high-risk populations, but appropriate-use guidelines are lacking for patients undergoing primary TJA. We sought to develop a risk-stratification algorithm to guide use of ciNPT dressings and test its use in normalizing the rate of superficial SSCs among high-risk groups.

METHODS

We reviewed 323 consecutive primary TJAs, where 38% of those patients considered at elevated risk were risk-stratified to receive ciNPT dressings. An individual risk score was developed, assigning points based on patient-specific risk factors. We identified a historical control population of 643 patients who all received the same postoperative dressing to test the impact of this risk score.

RESULTS

Compared with historical controls, we observed a modest but significant improvement in superficial SSCs after implementation of risk-stratification (12.0% vs 6.8%; P = .013). Among high-risk patients, there was a marked improvement in SSCs when treated prophylactically with ciNPT dressings as compared with historical controls (26.2% vs 7.3%; P < .001). Low-risk patients, who continued to be treated with standard postoperative dressings, demonstrated no significant improvement (8.6% vs 6.5%; P = .344).

CONCLUSIONS

ciNPT dressings are effective at reducing and normalizing risks of superficial SSCs among high-risk primary arthroplasty patients. The proposed risk-stratification algorithm may help identify those patients who benefit most from these dressings.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2017 Guidelines for Prevention of Surgical Site Infections: Review and Relevant Recommendations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The associated patient morbidity and resource-intensive nature of managing surgical site infections (SSI) has focused attention toward not only improving treatment protocols but also enhancing preventative measures. The purpose of this review was to summarize the relevant updated CDC guidelines for the prevention of SSI that were released in 2017. The CDC recommends the integration of the guidelines for improvement in quality metrics, reportable outcomes, and patient safety.

RECENT FINDINGS

The updated guidelines include generalized recommendations for parenteral antimicrobial prophylaxis, non-parenteral antimicrobial prophylaxis, glycemic control, normothermia, oxygenation, and antiseptic prophylaxis. The arthroplasty section includes recommendations for blood transfusion, systemic immunosuppressive therapy, and antibiotics during drain use. There was low-quality evidence precluding recommendations for preoperative intra-articular corticosteroid injections, orthopedic surgical space suits, and biofilm management. The recommendations provided throughout this review, including more recent guidelines from other organizations such as the AAOS and ACR, should assist clinicians in developing and/or refining surgical site prevention protocols for their patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty procedures.

Prosthetic Joint Infections: an Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious complication that is frequently misdiagnosed. We aimed to highlight the nuances of PJI diagnosis and antimicrobial therapies and provide clarity in key areas of management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current research in PJI centers on a potential role for diagnostic biomarkers, molecular techniques, and implant sonication to reduce culture-negativity rates. The optimal duration of antimicrobial therapy remains controversial. A high clinical index of suspicion for PJI combined with data from multiple preoperative and intraoperative tests enables timely diagnosis and treatment. Biomarkers, molecular methods, and implant sonication are currently adjunctive to traditional diagnostic techniques. Shorter courses of antimicrobial therapies as well as the role of chronic suppressive therapy need confirmation by randomized controlled trials. Existing practices for preoperative dental prophylaxis and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria warrant revision based on evidence arguing against risk for PJI.

Perioperative Management of Patients with Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases Undergoing Major Orthopaedic Surgery: A Practical Overview

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases often need orthopaedic surgery due to joint involvement. Total hip replacement and total knee replacement are frequent surgical procedures in these patients. Due to the complexity of the inflammatory rheumatic diseases, the perioperative management of these patients must envisage a multidisciplinary approach. The frequent association with extraarticular comorbidities must be considered when evaluating perioperative risk of the patient and should guide the clinician in the decision-making process. However, guidelines of different medical societies may vary and are sometimes contradictory. Orthopaedics should collaborate with rheumatologists, anaesthesiologists and, when needed, cardiologists and haematologists with the common aim of minimising perioperative risk in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The aim of this review is to provide the reader with simple practical recommendations regarding perioperative management of drugs such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tools for a risk stratification for cardiovascular and thromboembolic risk based on current evidence for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases.

The implications of biologic therapy for elective foot and ankle surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

INTRODUCTION

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of a number of inflammatory arthropathies resulting in foot pain and deformity. Patients with this disease may require surgical intervention as part of their management. Many of these patients are now taking biologic agents which pose several risks to patients in the perioperative phase. The surgical team therefore need to be aware of these associated complications and how to manage these cases.

AIM

This paper aims to review the current literature about perioperative needs (foot and ankle surgery) associated with patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving biologic therapy.

MAIN FINDINGS

The majority of the literature discusses the perioperative complications associated with patients on anti-TNFα therapy with few studies investigating the other biologics in common use. There is conflicting evidence as to the safety of continuing or stopping biologic drug therapy prior to orthopaedic procedures. The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) have produced guidelines for the management of patients on anti-TNFα therapy or the biologic agent Tocilizumab. These recommendations suggest the risks of post-operative infection need to be balanced against the risk of a post-operative disease flare. In essence, it is suggested anti-TNFα therapy is stopped 3-5 times the half-life of the drug whilst Tocilizumab is stopped 4 weeks prior to surgery.

CONCLUSION

Good communication is needed between the surgical team and the local Rheumatology department managing the patient's disease in order to optimise perioperative care. Local pathways may vary from the BSR recommendations to determine the most suitable course of action with regards to continuing or stopping biologic therapy prior to foot and ankle surgery.

Moderating effects of immunosuppressive medications and risk factors for post-operative joint infection following total joint arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

Inconclusive findings about infection risks, importantly the use of immunosuppressive medications in patients who have undergone large-joint total joint arthroplasty, challenge efforts to provide evidence-based perioperative total joint arthroplasty recommendations to improve surgical outcomes. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe risk factors for developing a post-operative infection in patients undergoing TJA of a large joint (total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, or total shoulder arthroplasty) by identifying clinical and demographic factors, including the use of high-risk medications (i.e., prednisone and immunosuppressive medications) and diagnoses [i.e., rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), gout, obesity, and diabetes mellitus] that are linked to infection status, controlling for length of follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective, case-control study (N = 2212) using de-identified patient health claims information from a commercially insured, U.S. dataset representing 15 million patients annually (from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009) was conducted. Descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariate logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Male gender (OR = 1.42, p < 0.001), diagnosis of RA (OR = 1.47, p = 0.031), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.38, p = 0.001), obesity (OR = 1.66, p < 0.001) or gout (OR = 1.95, p = 0.001), and a prescription for prednisone (OR = 1.59, p < 0.001) predicted a post-operative infection following total joint arthroplasty. Persons with post-operative joint infections were significantly more likely to be prescribed allopurinol (p = 0.002) and colchicine (p = 0.006); no significant difference was found for the use of specific disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and TNF-α inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

High-risk, post-operative joint infection groups were identified allowing for precautionary clinical measures to be taken.

Same-Day Surgery Does Not Increase Deep Infection Risk in Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with bilateral hip disease may undergo same-day or staged bilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). Our purpose was to compare the odds and identify risk factors for deep periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) among patients undergoing same-day vs staged bilateral THA (within 1 year or more than 1 year apart).

METHODS

Administrative data for patients subjected to same-day and staged bilateral THA between January 1999 and December 2013 were retrieved. Patients with subsequent PJI were identified. Mean follow-up was 112.6 months (range, 23-201). A logistic regression model was constructed to determine differences in odds for infection between groups and risk factors for PJI.

RESULTS

We identified 1808 patients treated with same-day bilateral THA, 2082 patients treated with staged THAs within 1 year, and 2760 patients treated with staged THAs more than 1 year apart. Patients treated with same-day procedures had similar odds for PJI compared to those treated with staged THAs within 1 year (odds ratio [OR] = 0.632, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.203, 1.962]), or more than 1 year apart (OR = 1.391, 95% CI [0.516, 3.746]). Women had 66.1% lower odds for PJI than men (OR = 0.339, 95% CI [0.16, 0.72]). Patients with inflammatory arthritis had 632% higher odds for PJI than patients with degenerative arthritis (OR = 7.321, 95% CI [1.912, 28.028]). Allogeneic transfusion was associated with 166% higher odds for PJI (OR = 2.661, 95% CI [1.198, 5.911]).

CONCLUSION

Same-day bilateral THA is not associated with increased odds for PJI compared to staged procedures. Male gender, inflammatory etiology, and allogeneic transfusion are significant risk factors for PJI in patients undergoing same-day or staged bilateral THA.

Association between Exposure to Benzodiazepines and Related Drugs and Survivorship of Total Hip Replacement in Arthritis: A Population-Based Cohort Study of 246,940 Patients

Background

Total hip replacement (THR) is successful in treating hip arthritis. Prosthetic survivorship may depend on the medications taken by the patient; particularly, the role of benzodiazepines and related drugs (Z-drugs) with THR revision has been poorly investigated. Our objective was to compare THR short-term survivorship according to level of exposure to benzodiazepine and Z-drugs.

Design, Setting and Participants

All French patients aged 40 years or older, having undergone primary THR from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2012, for arthritis according to French national health insurance databases were included in the cohort. Outcome of interest was THR revision, including any surgical procedure in which the implant or any component was changed or removed. Follow-up started the day the primary THR was performed. Observations were right-censored on December 31, 2014, if neither revision nor death had yet occurred. Exposure of interest was the cumulative defined daily doses per day (cDDD/day) of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs dispensed within 6 months before or after inclusion. We defined four exposure groups; cDDD/d = 0: unexposed; <0.08: low exposure;] 0.08–0.38]: medium exposure; >0.38: high exposure. THR survivorship was assessed according to level of exposure to benzodiazepines and Z-drugs in univariate and multivariate Cox models adjusted for patient, THR and implanting center characteristics.

Results

The study cohort comprised 246,940 individuals: mean age at baseline, 69.9 years; women, 57.9%; unexposed: 51.7%; low exposure: 16.7%; medium exposure: 15.9%; and high exposure: 15.7%. During the median 45-month follow-up, 9043 individuals underwent prosthetic revision. Adjusted hazard ratios in low, medium and high exposed groups were 1.18 (95%CI, 1.12–1.26; P<0.001), 1.32 (95%CI, 1.24–1.40; P<0.001) and 1.37 (95%CI, 1.29–1.45; P<0.001), respectively, compared to unexposed.

Conclusion and Relevance

Exposure to benzodiazepines and Z-drugs is associated with an increased risk of THR revision, with a dose-response relationship. Cautious prescribing might be needed as well as careful history examination and assessment of risk for patients with a hip prosthesis.

Absence of Koebnerization Following Ablative and Nonablative Laser Therapy in Patients With Plaque Psoriasis

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of laser procedures performed in patients with psoriasis have not been reported to date.

OBJECTIVE

The authors report the incidence of koebnerization in patients with psoriasis who underwent laser treatment with different devices over the past 12 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 38 patients with psoriasis treated with laser therapy were reviewed. Patient characteristics, including duration and severity of psoriasis, baseline psoriasis treatment, laser modality and settings, facial areas treated, and number of sessions, were collected. The primary outcome of interest was incidence of koebnerization.

RESULTS

None of the 38 patients with psoriasis treated with laser therapy experienced subsequent koebnerization. Seven patients were on oral systemic medications, 14 were on biologic agents, and 3 were on combination therapy. None of the patients experienced skin infections, delayed healing, or scarring, irrespective of their psoriasis therapy.

CONCLUSION

Koebnerization did not occur on the face, neck, or scalp of patients with psoriasis who underwent laser therapy, irrespective of psoriasis severity or types of psoriasis medications they were receiving. Although these results are encouraging, the risk of koebnerization should be discussed with patients with psoriasis who wish to undergo laser procedures.

Does Chronic Corticosteroid Use Increase Risks of Readmission, Thromboembolism, and Revision After THA?

BACKGROUND

Systemic corticosteroids are commonly used to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but they can be associated with various musculoskeletal problems and disorders. There currently is a limited amount of data describing the postoperative complications of THA associated specifically with chronic corticosteroid use.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

For chronic corticosteroid users undergoing THA, we asked: (1) What is the risk of hospital readmission at 30 and 90 days after surgery? (2) What is the risk of venous thromboembolism at 30 and 90 days after surgery? (3) What is the risk of revision hip arthroplasty at 12 and 24 months after surgery?

METHODS

We identified patients in the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System who underwent primary THA between January 2003 and December 2010. This database provides hospital discharge abstracts for all admissions in the state of New York each year. We used propensity scores to three-to-one match the 402 chronic corticosteroid users with a comparison cohort of 1206 patients according to age, sex, race, comorbidity score, year of surgery, and hip osteonecrosis. The risk of each outcome was compared between chronic corticosteroid users and the matched cohort. Because multiple comparisons were made, we considered p less than 0.008 as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Readmission was more common for corticosteroid users at 30 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% CI, 1.14-1.85; p = 0.003) and 90 days (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09-1.73; p = 0.007). Venous thromboembolism was not more frequent in corticosteroid users at 30 days (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.08-5.26; p = 0.031) or 90 days (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.03-3.53; p = 0.039). Revision arthroplasty was more common in corticosteroid users at 12 months (OR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.35-4.59; p = 0.004), but not 24 months (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.19-3.50; p = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

After THA, chronic corticosteroid use is associated with an increased risk of readmission at 30 and 90 days and revision hip arthroplasty at 12 months in corticosteroid users. Patients and providers should discuss these risks before surgery. Insurers should consider incorporating chronic corticosteroid use as a comorbidity in bundled payments for THA, since this patient population is more likely to return to their provider for care during the postoperative period.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Patient-related medical risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection of the hip and knee

Despite advancements and improvements in methods for preventing infection, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a significant complication following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Prevention is the most important strategy to deal with this disabling complication, and prevention should begin with identifying patient-related risk factors. Medical risk factors, such as morbid obesity, malnutrition, hyperglycemia, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), preoperative anemia, cardiovascular disorders, chronic renal failure, smoking, alcohol abuse and depression, should be evaluated and optimized prior to surgery. Treating patients to get laboratory values under a specified threshold or cessation of certain modifiable risk factors can decrease the risk of PJI. Although significant advances have been made in past decades to identify these risk factors, there remains some uncertainty regarding the risk factors predisposing TJA patients to PJI. Through a review of the current literature, this paper aims to comprehensively evaluate and provide a better understanding of known medical risk factors for PJI after TJA.

Management of perioperative tumour necrosis factor α inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis patients undergoing arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Tumour necrosis factor α inhibitors (TNFis) are widely used in RA patients who undergo surgery, and optimal perioperative management must balance the risk of infection with the risk of post-operative flare. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of TNFi exposure on surgical site infections (SSIs) in RA patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery by systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were performed using PUBMED, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, through May 2014. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, and analysed selected papers in detail. Included studies assessed RA patients with or without TNFi exposure prior to orthopaedic surgery, and described post-operative infections. Study quality was assessed using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence. Meta-analyses of the individual study odds ratios (ORs) were conducted, and each pooled OR was calculated using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Eight observational studies and three case control studies met inclusion criteria; risk of bias was low in eight studies and moderate in three. Publication bias was not apparent. These studies represent 3681 patients with recent exposure to TNFis (TNFi+) and 4310 with no recent exposure to TNFis (TNFi-) at the time of surgery. The TNFi+ group had higher risk of developing SSI compared with patients in the TNFi- group (random effects model: OR 2.47 (95% CI 1.66, 3.68); P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Data from the available literature suggest that there is an increased risk of SSIs in RA patients who use or have recently used TNFis at the time of elective orthopaedic surgery. Prospective studies to confirm these findings and establish the optimal withhold and restart time of TNFis, in the context of other risk factors for infection in RA patients such as higher disease activity, corticosteroid use, smoking and diabetes, are needed.

A Guide to Improving the Care of Patients with Fragility Fractures, Edition 2

Over the past 4 decades, much has been learned about the pathophysiology and treatment of osteoporosis, the prevention of fragility fractures, and the perioperative management of patients who have these debilitating injuries. However, the volume of published literature on this topic is staggering and far too voluminous for any clinician to review and synthesize by him or herself. This manuscript thoroughly summarizes the latest research on fragility fractures and provides the reader with valuable strategies to optimize the prevention and management of these devastating injuries. The information contained in this article will prove invaluable to any health care provider or health system administrator who is involved in the prevention and management of fragility hip fractures. As providers begin to gain a better understanding of the principles espoused in this article, it is our hope that they will be able to use this information to optimize the care they provide for elderly patients who are at risk of or who have osteoporotic fractures.

Increased risk of revision for infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients with total hip replacements

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Medical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has changed dramatically over the last 15 years, including immune modulation. We investigated the risk of revision for infection after primary total hip replacement (THR) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis over a 16-year period, and compared it with that in THR patients with osteoarthritis (OA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We identified 13,384 THRs in RA patients and 377,287 THRs in OA patients from 1995 through 2010 in a dataset from the Nordic Arthroplasty Register Association (NARA). Kaplan-Meier survival curves, with revision for infection as the endpoint, were constructed. Cox regression analyses were performed to calculate the relative risk (RR) of revision for infection adjusted for age, sex, fixation technique, and year of primary surgery.

RESULTS

RA patients had a 1.3 times (95% CI 1.0-1.6) higher risk of revision for infection. After 2001, this risk increased more for RA patients than for OA patients. During the first 3 months and from 8 years postoperatively, the risk of revision for infection was higher in RA patients with THRs fixated with antibiotic-loaded cement than in corresponding OA patients.

INTERPRETATION

We found a slightly higher overall risk of revision for infection in RA patients than in OA patients, but this difference was only present after 2001. In THRs with antibiotic-loaded cement, the risk of very early and late infections leading to revision was higher in RA patients than in OA patients.

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism after total hip and total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and may be the cause for a secondary PE and associated morbidity/mortality. We performed a systematic literature review of risk factors and risk reduction of VTE after THA or TKA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of PubMed database, the Cochrane Library, OVID MEDLINE and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), without restriction of publication data and language, was conducted. We performed a meta-analysis of ten factors for VTE after THA or TKA. Four authors independently assessed data extraction and quality of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) as quality assessment tool. Assessment of heterogeneity and analysis of data were operated by Review Manager 5.2.9.

RESULTS

Fourteen retrospective case-control or prospective cohort studies, which included 18,075 patients who developed VTE after THA or TKA of a total of 1,723,350 cases, were selected. Our results demonstrated that, among all ten factors investigated, 3 main risk factors were significantly associated with VTE after THA or TKA: history of VTE (RR > 10.6), varicose vein (RR > 2.7) and congestive cardiac failure (RR 2). There was also an increase of VTE risk ranging from 8 to 30 % for female gender < age (≥80) < hypertension < (active) cancer < obesity (BMI ≥ 30) < (black) race. Data analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus had no significant relationship with VTE after THA or TKA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the role of nine significant risk factors in the development of VTE after THA or TKA. Among all risk factors, history of VTE seems the one main indication for more potent anticoagulation. All other risk factors need to be considered and discussed with patients individually and balanced against the risk of bleeding and infection. Individual patient risk assessment, rather than a "blanket policy", is considered the best management strategy before deciding on the type of chemical prophylaxis.

Patient, Surgery, and Hospital Related Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections following Total Hip Arthroplasty

Surgical site infections (SSI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) have a significantly adverse impact on patient outcomes and pose a great challenge to the treating surgeon. Therefore, timely recognition of those patients at risk for this complication is very important, as it allows for adopting measures to reduce this risk. This review discusses literature reported risk factors for SSI after THA. These can be classified into patient-related factors (age, gender, obesity, comorbidities, history of infection, primary diagnosis, and socioeconomic profile), surgery-related factors (allogeneic blood transfusion, DVT prophylaxis and coagulopathy, duration of surgery, antibiotic prophylaxis, bearing surface and fixation, bilateral procedures, NNIS index score, and anesthesia type), and hospital-related factors (duration of hospitalization, institution and surgeon volume, and admission from a healthcare facility). All these factors are discussed with respect to potential measures that can be taken to reduce their effect and consequently the overall risk for infection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Does Not Increase Risk of Short-term Adverse Events after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case-control Study

OBJECTIVE

More adverse events (AE) are reported after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) than for patients with osteoarthritis (OA). This study evaluates 6-month postoperative AE in a high-volume center in a contemporary RA cohort.

METHODS

Patients with RA in an institutional registry (2007-2010) were studied. AE were identified by self-report and review of office and hospital charts. Subjects with RA were matched to 2 with OA by age, sex, and procedure. RA-specific surgical volume was determined. Baseline characteristics and AE were compared and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 159 RA TKA and 318 OA. Of the patients with RA, 88.0% were women, 24.5% received corticosteroids, 41.5% received biologics, and 67% received nonbiologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD). There was no difference in comorbidities. RA-specific surgical volume was high; 64% of cases were performed by surgeons with ≥ 20 RA cases during the study period. Patients with RA had worse baseline pain and function and lower perceived health status (EQ-5D 0.59 vs 0.65, p < 0.01). There were no deep infections in either group and no difference in superficial infection (9.4% RA vs 10.1% OA, p = 0.82), myocardial infarction (0.7% RA vs 0% OA, p = 0.33), or thromboembolism (1.3% RA vs 0.6% OA, p = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

In a high-volume center, with high RA-specific experience, RA does not increase postoperative AE. Despite worse preoperative function and high steroid and DMARD use, complications were not increased. However, further study to determine generalizability is needed.

The incidence of upper and lower extremity surgery for rheumatoid arthritis among Medicare beneficiaries

BACKGROUND

For elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis, aggressive immunosuppression can be difficult to tolerate, and surgery remains an important treatment option for joint pain and deformity. We sought to examine the epidemiology of surgical reconstruction for rheumatoid arthritis among older individuals who were newly diagnosed with the disorder.

METHODS

We identified a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries (sixty-six years of age and older) newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis from 2000 to 2005, and followed these patients longitudinally for a mean of 4.6 years. We used univariate analysis to compare the time from the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis to the first operation among the 360 patients who underwent surgery during the study period.

RESULTS

In our study cohort, 589 procedures were performed among 360 patients, and 132 patients (37%) underwent multiple procedures. The rate of upper extremity reconstruction was 0.9%, the rate of lower extremity reconstruction was 1.2%, and knee arthroplasty was the most common procedure performed initially (31%) and overall (29%). Upper extremity procedures were performed sooner than lower extremity procedures (fourteen versus twenty-five months; p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, surgery rates declined with age for upper and lower extremity procedures (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Knee replacement remains the most common initial procedure among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, upper extremity procedures are performed earlier than lower extremity procedures. Understanding the patient and provider factors that underlie variation in procedure rates can inform future strategies to improve the delivery of care to patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

[Recommendations of the German Society for Rheumatology on the perioperative approach under therapy with DMARDs and biologicals in inflammatory rheumatic diseases]

BACKGROUND

The perioperative administration of antirheumatic medication can lead to an increased risk of infection and to a malfunction in wound healing up to a manifest infection; however, the termination of antirheumatic therapy can result in a flare up of the disease. Both situations can endanger the success of the operation, particularly in arthroplasty.

METHOD

The recommendations have been developed and approved by the Pharmacotherapy Commission of the German Society for Rheumatology following a systematic literature search (as of 30 April 2013) and a consensus process.

RESULTS

As very little data with sufficiently high evidence are available, the present recommendations should be considered as having an advisory quality and an individual risk assessment should always be carried out. Classical disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD), such as methotrexate can be continued in normal cases but whether this is also true for leflunomide is still undecided. For biologicals a break of two half-life periods before the operation is recommended. The therapy can be continued after wound healing has been completed and when there are no signs of infection.