Factors associated with sequelae after treatment of hematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis

Functional disability may persist after completing treatment for hematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (HPVO). The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with residual sequelae after treatment of HPVO.

We conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with HPVO at 5 tertiary-care hospitals between January 2005 and December 2012. Sequelae were defined as an inability to walk without assistance, bladder/bowel incontinence, and/or unresolved pain that required analgesic therapy at 12 months after completing the HPVO treatment.

Of the 279 patients with microbiologically proven HPVO, 79 (28.3%) had sequelae at 12 months posttherapy. Independent risk factors for sequelae were neurologic deficit (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.38), recurrence within 12 months (aOR, 2.45), age ≥ 65 years (aOR, 2.05), C-reactive protein level ≥ 10 mg/dL (aOR, 2.01), and epidural/paravertebral abscess (aOR, 2.00). Among 58 patients with neurologic deficit, sequelae rates differed according to the surgical strategy, as follows: 28.6% (early surgery [<48 h]), 55.0% (delayed surgery [≥48 h]), and 66.7% (no surgery) (P = 0.03). Among the 170 patients with abscess, early drainage (<72 h) was an independent protective factor for sequelae (aOR, 0.35). The 12-month recurrence rates differed according to the total duration of antibiotic treatment, as follows: 20.5% (4-6 weeks), 18.4% (6-8 weeks), and 5.2% (≥8 weeks) (P < 0.001).

A substantial proportion of patients with HPVO experienced sequelae after completing treatment. Early surgery for neurologic deficit, early drainage of abscess, and antibiotic therapy of appropriate duration to reduce recurrence may prevent development of sequelae in patients with HPVO.