Mortality Rate and Associated Factors Among Patients with Septic Arthritis at Pranangklao Hospital

Annop Bunyod

Authors

Annop Bunyod Department of Internal Medicine, Pranangklao Hospital

Keywords:

septic arthritis, mortality, comorbidities, complications

Abstract

Septic arthritis is a medical emergency resulting from infection within a joint. Delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible joint damage, permanent disability, or dissemination of the infection into the bloodstream, which can ultimately result in death. Despite significant advancements in modern medical care, the mortality rate in patients with septic arthritis remains high. This retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the mortality rate and prognostic factors associated with septic arthritis in hospitalized patients in Pranangklao Hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024. Patients aged 15 years and older who were admitted with a diagnosis of septic arthritis were included. Factors associated with mortality were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Mortality was defined as death occurring during hospital admission. A total of 130 patients were enrolled, 124 cases of bacterial arthritis alone, 4 cases of tuberculous arthritis alone, and 2 cases of concurrent bacterial and tuberculous arthritis. No cases of viral, fungal, or parasitic arthritis were identified. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 12 patients (9.3%). Factors significantly associated with mortality through multivariate logistic regression included chronic kidney disease stage 4–5 (p=0.002), oligoarticular or polyarticular involvement (p=0.015), hip joint infection (p=0.03), and concurrent bloodstream infection (p=0.012). While patients who underwent surgical drainage demonstrated a significant association with reduced mortality in the univariate analysis (p=0.009), this association was no longer statistically significant after adjustment in the multivariate logistic regression. The findings of this study provide valuable insight into the prognostic factors influencing mortality among patients with septic arthritis. Awareness and early recognition of these risk factors, followed by timely and appropriate treatment, may help reduce mortality rates and improve quality of life in patients affected by this condition.

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