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

BACKGROUND &

OBJECTIVE

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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