Prevention of surgical site infection for orthopaedic surgery in rheumatoid arthritis
Saitoh, M.; Matsushita, K.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 74(6): 993-999
2016
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 27311191 Document Number: 690130
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered to be a risk factor of surgical site infection(SSI). RA patients have higher rates of nasal and oral carriage, which can cause endogenous infections. The decolonization strategy and good oral care may decrease the rate of SSI in RA patients. In the perioperative management of medications, methotrexate can be used continuously during the perioperative period. Biological agents should be withheld for an appropriate period considering the half-lives of each agent. If possible, withholding them for at least a week prior to and after surgery is preferred. Whether biological agents increase the rate of SSI in orthopaedic surgery is unclear. Several reports have indicated that biological agents can increase the risk of SSI in total joint replacements. This warrants attention.