Extended Oral Antibiotics Increase Bacterial Resistance in Patients Who Fail 2-Stage Exchange for Periprosthetic...

Although studies have demonstrated reductions in recurrent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) with the administration of prolonged oral antibiotics at second-stage reimplantation, the potential for increasing bacterial resistance has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to determine if oral antibiotics at second-stage reimplantation increased the rate of antibiotic resistance in subsequent infections.

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent 2-stage exchange for chronic PJI from 2014 to 2019. We compared those who had received prolonged oral antibiotics at the time of stage 2 reimplantation with those who did not. The primary outcome was the presence of resistant organisms in any subsequent infection. The secondary outcome was the overall rate of recurrent PJI in the 2 groups. Multivariable analyses controlling for demographics and comorbid conditions were used.

Of the 211 patients who underwent 2-stage exchange for PJI, 158 patients received prolonged oral antibiotics. The mean follow-up was 2.2 years. Recurrent PJI was diagnosed in 24 of 158 (15%) patients who received oral antibiotics compared with 11 of 53 (21%) patients who did not receive antibiotics (P = .35). PJI with resistant organisms was identified in 16 of 24 (67%) patients who received antibiotics compared with 0 of 11 (0%) patients who did not receive antibiotics (P = .0001).

Prolonged oral antibiotics following 2-stage exchange increase drug resistance to that antibiotic in subsequent PJI. We recommend further research in the area to refine antimicrobial protocols as we consider the risks and benefits of prolonged antibiotic treatment.