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Group B streptococcal polyarthritis complicating hemophilia B
1Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Acta Haematologica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Group B Streptococcus can cause severe polyarticular infections, even in HIV-negative individuals with hemophilia. This case highlights the importance of diagnostic arthrocentesis in hemophilic patients presenting with joint issues.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
Background:
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of neonatal infections but less frequently reported in adult septic arthritis.
- Hemophilia, a bleeding disorder, typically presents with chronic joint disease, making septic arthritis a less common complication.
- Alcoholism and underlying conditions like factor IX deficiency can increase susceptibility to infections.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old, HIV-negative male with a history of alcoholism and factor IX deficiency presented with polyarticular infection.
- The patient developed septic arthritis, a serious joint infection.
Findings:
- The causative agent identified was Group B Streptococcus, an opportunistic pathogen in this context.
- The case underscores the infrequent occurrence of septic arthritis in the hemophilic population.
- Diagnostic arthrocentesis is crucial for identifying the pathogen and guiding treatment in hemophilic patients with joint complaints.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of GBS as an opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised or debilitated adults.
- It emphasizes the need for vigilance regarding septic arthritis in hemophilic individuals, even with chronic joint disease.
- Clinical guidelines may need to consider specific indications for diagnostic arthrocentesis in hemophilic patients presenting with acute joint symptoms.