PNEUMOCOCCAL ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Patients (12) with pneumococcal arthritis are described. Of the 12 patients (7) had underlying diseases which predisposed them to pneumococcal infections; 5 were alcoholics and 2 had hypogammaglobulinemia. Five patients had pre-existing joint disease prior to the onset of septic arthritis. Seven patients had co-existent pneumococcal infection, including meningitis and/or endocarditis in 5. The other 5 patients had pneumococcal arthritis without evidence of other foci of pneumococcal infection. With penicillin therapy and drainage of the purulent joint fluid (by needle aspiration in 4 and surgical drainage in 7), the function of the involved joint returned to normal or to the previous baseline level in all but 1 patient.