Use of Infrared Spectroscopy in Fast Septic Arthritis Diagnosis

Use of Infrared Spectroscopy in Fast Septic Arthritis Diagnosis

To study the diagnostic performance of infrared spectroscopy on fresh synovial fluids in early septic arthritis diagnosis in patients with acute joint effusion

Diagnosis of a joint effusion is frequently a medical emergency, especially when septic arthritis is suspected. Septic arthritis diagnosis relies on microscopic and bacteriological analysis of synovial fluid obtained by arthrocentesis. Direct microscopic examination can be made within 2 to 12 hours but it is negative in about 50 % of the cases. It is necessary to wait 72 hours to obtain the result of the culture and reasonably rule out the diagnosis of septic arthritis. A method of establishing an immediate etiological diagnosis could improve the care of patients with joint effusion that is a therapeutic emergency and justify a hospitalization and a parenteral antibiotic therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients over 18 year old
• patients with an acute arthritis defined by an evolution of less than 6 weeks
• patients benefiting from joint fluid puncture for diagnostic purposes in the rheumatology hospitals participating in the study
• patients who received information about the protocol and have not expressed opposition to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients opposing the study
• protected major (safeguard justice, trusteeship and guardianship) and persons deprived of liberty