Spinal infection with intraspinal abscess or empyema and acute myelopathy: comparative analysis of diagnostics, therapy, complications and outcome in primary care

This study investigates pyogenic spinal infections that involve the spinal canal, leading to abscesses or empyema. It compares patients who developed spinal cord injury (SCI) with those who did not (noSCI). The goal is to analyze differences in diagnosis, treatment, complications, and outcomes between these groups. The study found that patients with SCI experienced more disease-related complications, longer hospital stays, and higher treatment costs. However, overall survival rates were similar between the SCI and noSCI groups. The research suggests that while the presence of SCI doesn't necessarily impact survival in patients with pyogenic spinal infections, it significantly increases the burden of disease and associated costs. Early, specialized care for SCI patients might help reduce complications and improve outcomes.

• 1
  The presence of endocarditis was significantly higher in the noSCI group compared to the SCI group (9% vs. 0%; p=0.03).
• 2
  A higher number of affected spinal segments (≥ 3) was significantly associated with higher mortality (p=0.006).
• 3
  Patients with SCI had significantly higher rates of disease-associated complications like urinary tract infections and pressure ulcers.