Clinical stage, age and treatment in tropical pyomyositis: a retrospective study including forty cases

A comparative and retrospective trial of 40 patients with tropical pyomyositis covering studies done between January 1, 1987 and November 31, 1990, at the General Hospital at Cosamaloapan, Veracruz, IMSS, was undertaken. The objectives were to compare predisposing factors, clinical data, morbidity, mortaity and hospital stay among 1) medical (group I) and surgical treatment (II), 2) adult and pediatric populations and 3) the clinical stage of the disease (invasive, suppurative and late). In group I, the family history of diabetes (56%), fever (66%) and hospital stay (6.5 +/- 1.8 days) were significantly different from group II (19%, 100% and 12.8 +/- 5.5 days), respectively. The mean age in adult and pediatric populations was 38 and 8 years, respectively. Pediatric patients had lowest hemoglobin levels (9.7 +/- 1.3). Upper respiratory antecedent was highest in suppurative stage (65%). In the late stage eosinophilia (5.9 +/- 6.9), fluctuance muscles (100%), complication rate of 57%, surgical drainage (100%) and mortality of 29% were found. Cultures were performed in 20 cases with negative results in 55% and the remaining 45% were positive to Staphylococcus aureus. Pyomyositis appears to be multifactorial in origin, the antecedents of trauma and upper respiratory infection were the major predisposing factors. Septicemia caused high morbidity and mortality in the late stage. Surgical treatment was frequently needed, increasing costs.