The INFECTIONS IN RHEUMATIC DISORDERS AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTH INDIA

Abstract

 Background: Systemic rheumatic diseases are characterized by considerable morbidity and mortality due to concurrent infections. Patients affected by rheumatic diseases show an intrinsic predisposition to infections.

Objectives: To study the clinical profile of rheumatic patients having infections including correlation of infection with different parameters.

Participants: All patients of various rheumatic diseases with infections who fulfil inclusion criteria who were enrolled in this study.

Study design: This was a combined prospective and retrospective observational study.

Methods: Complete history with examination and investigations was documented. Clinical, lab and radiological evidences were used.

Results: 125 cases of rheumatic patients having infections were studied, out of which 68 were prospective and 57 were retrospective cases. Infections were more common in females with ratio of around 6.8:1 as compared to males and slightly more common at extremes of age. SLE was most common disease encountered while kidney was most common organ involved. Urinary tract infections were the commonest closely followed by respiratory tract infections, bone and joint and skin and soft tissue infections. E. coli was the predominant isolate from urine cultures in these patients.

Conclusion: Infections in these patients were more common in females as compared to males and slightly more common at extremes of age. SLE was most common disease encountered while kidney was most common organ to get involved in disease process. A normal WBC count does not rule out infection in these patients. Urinary tract infection was most common infection and E. coli was the predominant isolate from urine cultures.