The Effect of Intravenous Dexamethasone in the Treatment of Septic Arthritis

Background and Objective: Septic arthritis is a joint infection that causes metabolic and physiological disorders and if not diagnosed and treated on time can cause severe damage and disabilities. In this study, the effect of intravenous dexamethasone on septic arthritis, and the recovery process of the disease have been evaluated.

Methods: In a non-randomized double blind clinical trial 60 patients assigned in two groups of 30 patients each were evaluated. After diagnosis of septic arthritis, group one received a dose of 0.15mg / kg / QD of dexamethasone and group two received the same amount of normal saline for four days. Then the patients were evaluated for treatment duration, inflammation and redness relief, joint movement and ESR and CRP levels.

Results: After data collection they were compared with the X2 test, t-test, ANOVA and Mann-Whitney statistical test and were analyzed using SPSS18 software. Treatment duration was 3.27±1.04 days, joint movement was 50.67±9.7 degrees, inflammation and redness relief was seen after 4.1±0.32 days, a decrease of 19.3±2.89 in ESR levels were seen and reduction in CRP levels showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: In patients with septic arthritis in addition to routine antibiotic therapy, receiving intravenous dexamethasone can reduce the clinical symptoms of the disease symptoms and also accelerate recovery and return to daily activities.