The perioperative use of certain medication may influence the risk of developing a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and cardiovascular drugs are widely used... Show moreThe perioperative use of certain medication may influence the risk of developing a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and cardiovascular drugs are widely used against pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases. While oral corticosteroids and anticoagulants have been shown to increase the risk of developing PJI, this is not clear for ICSs. In contrast, some cardiovascular drugs, such as amlodipine, nifedipine and statins, have been documented to show an antimicrobial effect, suggesting a synergistic effect with antibiotics in the treatment of (multi-resistant) microorganisms. We performed a case-cohort study to assess the association between the occurrence of PJI after THA and the use of inhaled corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or previously mentioned cardiovascular agents. In a cohort of 5512 primary THAs, we identified 75 patients with a PJI (1.4%), and randomly selected 302 controls. A weighted Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for the study design and to adjust for potential confounders (age, sex, smoking, and cardiovascular/pulmonary disease). We found ICS use (HR 2.6 [95% CI 1.1-5.9]), vitamin K antagonist use (HR 5.3 [95% CI 2.5-11]), and amlodipine use (HR 3.1 [95% CI 1.4-6.9]) to be associated with an increased risk of developing PJI after THA. The effect remained after correction for the mentioned possible confounders. The underlying diseases for which the medications are prescribed could also play a role in the mentioned association; we believe, however, that the usages of ICSs, vitamin K antagonists and amlodipine appear to be potential modifiable risk factors for PJI, and therefore have to be questioned during preoperative screening and consultation. Show less
Background and purpose - Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) have previously been associated with an increased risk of infections such as community-acquired pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections and... Show moreBackground and purpose - Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI) have previously been associated with an increased risk of infections such as community-acquired pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections and central nervous system infection. Therefore, we evaluated a possible association between proton-pump inhibitor use and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA), because they can be stopped perioperatively or switched to a less harmful alternative. Patients and methods - A cohort of 5,512 primary THAs provided the base for a case-cohort design; cases were identified as patients with early-onset PJI. A weighted Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for the study design and to adjust for potential confounders. Results - There were 75 patients diagnosed with PJI of whom 32 (43%) used PPIs perioperatively compared with 75 PPI users (25%) in the control group of 302 patients. The risk of PJI was 2.4 times higher (95% CI 1.4-4.0) for patients using PPI. This effect remained after correction for possible confounders. Interpretation - The use of PPIs was associated with an increased risk of developing PJI after THA. Hence, the use of a PPI appears to be a modifiable risk factor for PJI. Show less
