Epidural abscess medical therapy: Difference between revisions

Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Bot: Removing from Primary care)
 
(20 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
__NOTOC__
__NOTOC__
{{Epidural abscess}}
{{Epidural abscess}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{JS}}
{{CMG}} {{AE}} {{JS}}; {{AG}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
The treatment of epidural abscess generally involves a combined medical and surgical approach. Empiric therapy for an intracranial epidural abscess includes [[Metronidazole]], a third generation [[Cephalosporin]], and either [[Penicillin]] or [[Vancomycin]]. Empirical antimicrobial therapy for spinal epidural abscess should cover Staphylococcus ([[Vancomycin]] pending susceptibility testing) and aerobic [[Gram-negative bacilli]] ([[Cefepime]], [[Ceftazidime]], or [[Meropenem]].  Patients with [[tuberculous]] epidural abscess must receive a 12-month course of antituberculous therapy.
Epidural abscess is generally a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment. The treatment of epidural abscess generally involves a combined medical and surgical approach. Antimicrobial therapy for intracranial epidural abscess includes [[metronidazole]], a third generation [[cephalosporin]], and either [[penicillin]] or [[vancomycin]]. Antimicrobial therapy for spinal epidural abscess includes [[vancomycin]], [[cefepime]], [[ceftazidime]], and [[meropenem]].


==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
Several studies have reached the conclusion that the best approach to [[therapy]] of [[epidural abscess]], either intracranial or spinal, is a combination of [[surgical]] drainage along with prolonged systemic [[antibiotics]] (6-12 weeks, [[IV]] followed by [[per os|PO]]). <ref name="Grewal2006">{{cite journal|last1=Grewal|first1=S.|title=Epidural abscesses|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia|volume=96|issue=3|year=2006|pages=292–302|issn=0007-0912|doi=10.1093/bja/ael006}}</ref> Due to the importance of preoperative neurologic status, along with the unpredictable progression of neurologic impairment, for the neurological outcome of the patient, decompressive [[laminectomy]] and [[debridement]] of [[infected]] tissues, in the case of [[SEA]], and [[burr hole]] placement or [[craniotomy]], in the case of [[Iea|IEA]], should take place as early as possible. <ref name="Darouiche2006">{{cite journal|last1=Darouiche|first1=Rabih O.|title=Spinal Epidural Abscess|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=355|issue=19|year=2006|pages=2012–2020|issn=0028-4793|doi=10.1056/NEJMra055111}}</ref><ref name="pmid1359381">{{cite journal| author=Darouiche RO, Hamill RJ, Greenberg SB, Weathers SW, Musher DM| title=Bacterial spinal epidural abscess. Review of 43 cases and literature survey. | journal=Medicine (Baltimore) | year= 1992 | volume= 71 | issue= 6 | pages= 369-85 | pmid=1359381 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1359381  }} </ref> However, in certain clinical scenarios, '''medical therapy''' may be the only treatment indicated for that particular case, these include:
The treatment of epidural abscess generally involves a combined medical and surgical approach. Therapy of epidural abscess, either intracranial or spinal, should begin with a combination of [[surgical]] drainage and prolonged systemic [[antibiotics]] (6-12 weeks, [[IV]] followed by [[per os|PO]]).<ref name="Grewal2006">{{cite journal|last1=Grewal|first1=S.|title=Epidural abscesses|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia|volume=96|issue=3|year=2006|pages=292–302|issn=0007-0912|doi=10.1093/bja/ael006}}</ref> Due to the importance of preoperative neurologic status, along with the unpredictable progression of neurologic impairment, the following procedures should occur as early as possible out of concern for the neurological outcome of the patient:<ref name="Darouiche2006">{{cite journal|last1=Darouiche|first1=Rabih O.|title=Spinal Epidural Abscess|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=355|issue=19|year=2006|pages=2012–2020|issn=0028-4793|doi=10.1056/NEJMra055111}}</ref><ref name="pmid1359381">{{cite journal| author=Darouiche RO, Hamill RJ, Greenberg SB, Weathers SW, Musher DM| title=Bacterial spinal epidural abscess. Review of 43 cases and literature survey. | journal=Medicine (Baltimore) | year= 1992 | volume= 71 | issue= 6 | pages= 369-85 | pmid=1359381 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1359381  }} </ref>
*decompressive [[laminectomy]] declined by the patient
*Intracranial epidural abscess
*high operative risk
**[[Burr hole]] placement
*paralysis unlikely reversible, due to being present for more than 24 to 36 hours. Sometimes, in these situations emergency [[laminectomy]] is still performed, not to restore the lost function, but to treat the [[abscess]] and prevent a [[sepsis]] episode
**[[Craniotomy ]]
*panspinal [[infection]], therefore the [[laminectomy]] would be impracticable. ''In this case, the physician might consider a limited [[laminectomy]] or [[laminotomy]] with [[catheter]] insertion at the top and bottom of the [[spinal canal]], for drainage and irrigation.
*Spinal epidural abscess
There are several reported cases in which patients recovered from [[epidural abscess]], without [[neurosurgery|surgical treatment]], following simple diagnostic aspiration with [[antibiotic]] therapy. In these patients however, there was no neurologic deficit related to the [[abscess]] or it was simply accompanied by minor [[weakness]] at initial presentation. <ref name="pmid1617070">{{cite journal| author=Wheeler D, Keiser P, Rigamonti D, Keay S| title=Medical management of spinal epidural abscesses: case report and review. | journal=Clin Infect Dis | year= 1992 | volume= 15 | issue= 1 | pages= 22-7 | pmid=1617070 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1617070  }} </ref> Besides the [[antibiotic]] therapy, this ''conservative approach'' also includes:
**Decompressinve [[laminectomy]]
*close neurologic monitoring strategy, defined before treatment initiation
**[[Debridement]] of [[infected]] tissues
*follow-up [[MRI]] to evaluate the status of the [[abscess]] and confirm its resolution
 
*immediate [[neurosurgery|surgery]], in case of neurologic deterioration.
However, in certain clinical scenarios, medical therapy may be the only treatment indicated for that particular case, these include:
The indication for a specific [[antibiotic]] should be given by the results of [[blood cultures]] or a [[CT]]-guided aspiration of the [[abscess]]. However, until blood culture results are obtained, the patient should be on [[Empiric therapy|empirical]] [[antibiotic]] therapy. The efficacy of the [[antibiotic]] treatment, as well as its duration, may be determined by monitoring the evolution of the [[ESR]], [[CRP]], pain and function, along with resolution of radiographic changes. <ref name="Grewal2006">{{cite journal|last1=Grewal|first1=S.|title=Epidural abscesses|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia|volume=96|issue=3|year=2006|pages=292–302|issn=0007-0912|doi=10.1093/bja/ael006}}</ref>  
*Decompressive [[laminectomy]] declined by the patient
*High operative risk
*[[Paralysis]] which is unlikely reversible, due to being present for > 24 to 36 hours
*Panspinal [[infection]]
 
In rare cases, patients presenting with minor [[weakness]] and no neurologic deficit related to the abscess have recovered without [[neurosurgery|surgical treatment]], exclusively following antimicrobial therapy.<ref name="pmid1617070">{{cite journal| author=Wheeler D, Keiser P, Rigamonti D, Keay S| title=Medical management of spinal epidural abscesses: case report and review. | journal=Clin Infect Dis | year= 1992 | volume= 15 | issue= 1 | pages= 22-7 | pmid=1617070 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=1617070  }} </ref> The conservative approach in treating epidural abscess includes:
*[[Antimicrobial]] therapy
*Close neurologic monitoring strategy, defined before treatment initiation
*Follow-up [[MRI]] to evaluate the status of the [[abscess]] and confirm its resolution
*Immediate [[neurosurgery]] in cases of neurologic deterioration
 
The indication for a specific [[antibiotic]] should be determined by the results of [[blood cultures]] or a [[CT]]-guided aspiration of the abscess. However, until blood culture results are obtained, the patient should be on [[Empiric therapy|empirical]] [[antibiotic]] therapy. The efficacy of the [[antibiotic]] treatment, as well as its duration, may be determined by monitoring the evolution of the [[erythrocyte sedimentation rate]], [[C-reactive protein]], and [[pain]], while monitoring for radiographic changes.<ref name="Grewal2006">{{cite journal|last1=Grewal|first1=S.|title=Epidural abscesses|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia |volume=96|issue=3|year=2006|pages=292–302|issn=0007-0912|doi=10.1093/bja/ael006}}</ref>  
   
   
===Intracranial Epidural Abscess===
===Intracranial Epidural Abscess===
The empiric [[antibiotic]] therapy for this type of [[abscess]] is similar to the one used for [[subdural empyema]] and should be continued for 3 to 6 weeks after [[surgery]], or longer in case of [[osteomyelitis]]. <ref>{{Cite book  | last1 = Mandell | first1 = Gerald L. | last2 = Bennett | first2 = John E. (John Eugene) | last3 = Dolin | first3 = Raphael. | title = Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious disease | date = 2010 | publisher = Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier | location = Philadelphia, PA | isbn = 0-443-06839-9 | pages =  }}</ref> This should cover: <ref name="Darouiche2006">{{cite journal|last1=Darouiche|first1=Rabih O.|title=Spinal Epidural Abscess|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=355|issue=19|year=2006|pages=2012–2020|issn=0028-4793|doi=10.1056/NEJMra055111}}</ref>
The empiric [[antibiotic]] therapy for this type of abscess is similar to the one used for [[subdural empyema]] and should be continued for 3 to 6 weeks following [[surgery]], or longer in case of [[osteomyelitis]].<ref name=Mandell>{{Cite book  | last1 = Mandell | first1 = Gerald L. | last2 = Bennett | first2 = John E. (John Eugene) | last3 = Dolin | first3 = Raphael. | title = Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious disease | date = 2010 | publisher = Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier | location = Philadelphia, PA | isbn = 0-443-06839-9 | pages =  }}</ref> This includes medical therapies against:<ref name="Darouiche2006">{{cite journal|last1=Darouiche|first1=Rabih O.|title=Spinal Epidural Abscess|journal=New England Journal of Medicine|volume=355|issue=19|year=2006|pages=2012–2020|issn=0028-4793|doi=10.1056/NEJMra055111}}</ref>
*''[[Staphylococci]]''
*[[Staphylococci]]
*''[[Streptococci]]''
*[[Streptococci]]
*[[Gram negative]] ''[[bacilli]]''
*[[Gram negative]] [[bacilli]]
This regimen must include: <ref>{{Cite book  | last1 = Longo | first1 = Dan L. (Dan Louis) | title = Harrison's principles of internal medici | date = 2012 | publisher = McGraw-Hill | location = New York | isbn = 978-0-07-174889-6 | pages =  }}</ref><ref name="Grewal2006">{{cite journal|last1=Grewal|first1=S.|title=Epidural abscesses|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia|volume=96|issue=3|year=2006|pages=292–302|issn=0007-0912|doi=10.1093/bja/ael006}}</ref>
 
*[[Penicillin]] with anti-staphylococcal activity or [[Vancomycin]] in case of suspicion of [[MRSA]]
This regimen must include:<ref name="Grewal2006">{{cite journal|last1=Grewal|first1=S.|title=Epidural abscesses|journal=British Journal of Anaesthesia|volume=96|issue=3|year=2006|pages=292–302|issn=0007-0912|doi=10.1093/bja/ael006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book  | last1 = Longo | first1 = Dan L. (Dan Louis) | title = Harrison's principles of internal medici | date = 2012 | publisher = McGraw-Hill | location = New York | isbn = 978-0-07-174889-6 | pages =  }}</ref>
*[[Penicillin]] with anti-staphylococcal activity
*[[Vancomycin]] (if [[MRSA]] is suspected)
*Third-generation [[cephalosporin]]
*Third-generation [[cephalosporin]]
*This regimen might also include [[Metronidazole]]
*[[Metronidazole]]


===Spinal Epidural Abscess===
===Spinal Epidural Abscess===
Initial [[antibiotic]] therapy for this type of [[abscess]] should target ''[[staphylococci]]'' and [[aerobic]] [[gram negative]] ''[[bacilli]]'', particularly in patients with history of [[IV drug use]] or [[spinal cord|spinal]] procedures. The treatment should last for a period of 4 to 6 weeks, or longer, up to 8 weeks, in case there is contiguous [[osteomyelitis]]. <ref>{{Cite book  | last1 = Mandell | first1 = Gerald L. | last2 = Bennett | first2 = John E. (John Eugene) | last3 = Dolin | first3 = Raphael. | title = Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious disease | date = 2010 | publisher = Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier | location = Philadelphia, PA | isbn = 0-443-06839-9 | pages =  }}</ref> Therefore, the [[antibiotic]] regimens for the unknown organism of intracranial [[epidural abscess]] may also be applied to the [[spinal cord|spinal]] [[epidural abscess]].
Initial [[antibiotic]] therapy for spinal epidural abscess should target:
 
*[[Staphylococci]]
==Epidural Abscess Drug Summary==
*[[Aerobic]] [[Gram negative]] [[bacilli]] (particularly in patients with history of [[IV drug use]] or [[spinal cord|spinal]] procedures)
 
===Nafcillin and Oxacillin===
*Group of narrow spectrum [[antibiotics]], of the [[penicillin]] class, both penicillinase-resistant. Their mechanism of action is based on binding transpeptidases, thereby blocking the cross-linkage of peptidoglycan. They are also involved in the activation of autolytic enzymes.
 
*They are used to treat [[gram-positive bacteria]], particularly ''[[staphylococci]]'', however are not indicated in the treatment of [[MRSA]]/[[ORSA]].
*They are known to cause [[hypersensitivity]] reactions and to interfere with [[cytochrome P-450]]. Their use in [[congestive heart failure]] and [[kidney disease]] patients should also be cautious because of risk of [[edema]].
*The dosage may need to be adjusted in patients suffering from kidney or liver disease.<ref name="pmid12521560">{{cite journal| author=Greenlee JE| title=Subdural Empyema. | journal=Curr Treat Options Neurol | year= 2003 | volume= 5 | issue= 1 | pages= 13-22 | pmid=12521560 | doi= | pmc=|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12521560  }} </ref>
 
===Vancomycin===
*A [[glycopeptide antibiotic]] that exerts its activity by inhibiting [[peptidoglycan]] synthesis and hence bacterial cell walls. It has [[bactericidal]] activity agains most pathogens and [[bacteriostatic]] activity agains [[enterococci]].
*A narrow spectrum [[antibiotic]] used only for [[gram-positive bacteria]].
*Due to its toxicity ([[Ototoxicity]], [[Nephrotoxicity]] and [[Thrombophlebitis]]), along with risk of [[anaphylaxis]], [[Stevens-Johnson syndrome]], [[neutropenia]] and [[thrombocytopenia]]<ref name="pmid12521560">{{cite journal| author=Greenlee JE| title=Subdural Empyema. | journal=Curr Treat Options Neurol | year= 2003 | volume= 5 | issue= 1 | pages= 13-22 | pmid=12521560 | doi= | pmc=|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12521560  }} </ref>, its use is restricted to multidrug-resistant organisms ([[MRSA]]/[[ORSA]], ''[[Clostridium difficile]]'').
*In recent years, the emergence of vancomycin-resistant pathogens, has increased the use of [[antibiotics]], such as [[carbapenem]] and [[linezolid]].
 
===Cephalosporin===
*A bactericidal [[antibiotic]], with a similar mechanism of action as other [[penicillins]], [[cephalosporins]] interfere with the synthesis of [[peptidoglycan]] of the [[cell wall]], being however less susceptible to penicillinases.
*Used for prophylaxis and treatment of certain [[bacteria]].
*There are 4 generations of [[cephalosporins]]: 1st generation are indicated for [[gram-positive bacteria]], while 2nd, 3rd and 4th generations have increased activity against [[Gram-negative|gram negative]] organisms.
*1st generation [[cephalosporins]] include: [[cefalexin]] and [[cefazolin]]; 2nd generation: [[cefuroxime]] and [[cefoxitin]]; 3rd generation: [[ceftriaxone]] and [[cefotaxime]]; and 4th generation: [[cefepime]] and [[cefquinome]].
*Organisms not usually covered by [[cephalosporins]] include: ''[[Listeria]]'', [[MRSA]] and [[Enterococci]].
*Possible adverse effects include: [[nausea]], [[diarrhea]], [[rash]], [[hypersensitivity]] reactions, [[vitamin K]] deficiency and increased [[nephrotoxicity]] of [[aminoglycosides]], when given concomitantly.
 
===Metronidazole===
*A [[nitroimidazole]] [[antibiotic]], [[bactericidal]] against anaerobic organisms, with [[antiprotozoal]] activity. It acts by forming free radical metabolites within the bacterial cell, which damages the bacterial [[DNA]]. When given with [[clarithromycin]] and a [[proton pump inhibitor]], is used in the treatment of ''[[Helicobacter pylori]]''.
*Used in the treatment of organisms such as: ''[[Clostridium difficile]]'', ''[[Entamoeba]]'', ''[[Trichomonas]]'', ''[[Giardia]]'' and ''[[Gardnerella vaginalis]]''.
*Possible adverse effects include: [[nausea]], [[diarrhea]], [[headaches]], [[encephalopathy]], [[cerebellar ataxia]], [[neutropenia]]<ref name="pmid12521560">{{cite journal| author=Greenlee JE| title=Subdural Empyema. | journal=Curr Treat Options Neurol | year= 2003 | volume= 5 | issue= 1 | pages= 13-22 | pmid=12521560 | doi= | pmc=|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=12521560  }} </ref> and association with [[thrombophlebitis]], when administered intravenously.
*Its use may cause darker red [[urine]].


===Carbapenem===
The treatment should last for 4-6 weeks, or longer (8 weeks maximum), to prevent [[osteomyelitis]].<ref name=Mandell>{{Cite book  | last1 = Mandell | first1 = Gerald L. | last2 = Bennett | first2 = John E. (John Eugene) | last3 = Dolin | first3 = Raphael. | title = Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious disease | date = 2010 | publisher = Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier | location = Philadelphia, PA | isbn = 0-443-06839-9 | pages =  }}</ref> The empirical [[antibiotic]] regimens for intracranial epidural abscess may also be applied to spinal epidural abscess.
*Broad spectrum [[beta-lactam]] [[antibiotic]], with a structure which protects it from the action of [[beta-lactamases]]. Active against [[gram-positive]] [[cocci]], [[gram-negative]] rods and [[anaerobic]] [[bacteria]], with the exception of [[intracellular]] organisms. Administered intravenously.
*Examples of [[carbapenems]] include [[imipenem]], [[meropenem]] and [[ertapenem]].
*The significant side-effects including [[gastrointestinal]] problems, [[rash]] and [[CNS]] toxicity limit its use.


==Antimicrobial Regimen==
==Antimicrobial Regimen==
Line 73: Line 56:


[[Category:Infectious Disease Project]]
[[Category:Infectious Disease Project]]
[[Category:Infectious disease]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Disease]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Neurology]]
[[Category:Primary care]]

Latest revision as of 21:36, 29 July 2020

Epidural abscess Microchapters

Home

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Epidural abscess from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

CT

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Epidural abscess medical therapy On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Epidural abscess medical therapy

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Epidural abscess medical therapy

CDC on Epidural abscess medical therapy

Epidural abscess medical therapy in the news

Blogs on Epidural abscess medical therapy

Directions to Hospitals Treating Epidural abscess

Risk calculators and risk factors for Epidural abscess medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: João André Alves Silva, M.D. [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]

Overview

Epidural abscess is generally a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment. The treatment of epidural abscess generally involves a combined medical and surgical approach. Antimicrobial therapy for intracranial epidural abscess includes metronidazole, a third generation cephalosporin, and either penicillin or vancomycin. Antimicrobial therapy for spinal epidural abscess includes vancomycin, cefepime, ceftazidime, and meropenem.

Medical Therapy

The treatment of epidural abscess generally involves a combined medical and surgical approach. Therapy of epidural abscess, either intracranial or spinal, should begin with a combination of surgical drainage and prolonged systemic antibiotics (6-12 weeks, IV followed by PO).[1] Due to the importance of preoperative neurologic status, along with the unpredictable progression of neurologic impairment, the following procedures should occur as early as possible out of concern for the neurological outcome of the patient:[2][3]

However, in certain clinical scenarios, medical therapy may be the only treatment indicated for that particular case, these include:

  • Decompressive laminectomy declined by the patient
  • High operative risk
  • Paralysis which is unlikely reversible, due to being present for > 24 to 36 hours
  • Panspinal infection

In rare cases, patients presenting with minor weakness and no neurologic deficit related to the abscess have recovered without surgical treatment, exclusively following antimicrobial therapy.[4] The conservative approach in treating epidural abscess includes:

  • Antimicrobial therapy
  • Close neurologic monitoring strategy, defined before treatment initiation
  • Follow-up MRI to evaluate the status of the abscess and confirm its resolution
  • Immediate neurosurgery in cases of neurologic deterioration

The indication for a specific antibiotic should be determined by the results of blood cultures or a CT-guided aspiration of the abscess. However, until blood culture results are obtained, the patient should be on empirical antibiotic therapy. The efficacy of the antibiotic treatment, as well as its duration, may be determined by monitoring the evolution of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and pain, while monitoring for radiographic changes.[1]

Intracranial Epidural Abscess

The empiric antibiotic therapy for this type of abscess is similar to the one used for subdural empyema and should be continued for 3 to 6 weeks following surgery, or longer in case of osteomyelitis.[5] This includes medical therapies against:[2]

This regimen must include:[1][6]

Spinal Epidural Abscess

Initial antibiotic therapy for spinal epidural abscess should target:

The treatment should last for 4-6 weeks, or longer (8 weeks maximum), to prevent osteomyelitis.[5] The empirical antibiotic regimens for intracranial epidural abscess may also be applied to spinal epidural abscess.

Antimicrobial Regimen

  • 1.1 Empiric antimicrobial therapy
  • Preferred regimen: Vancomycin loading dose 25–30 mg/kg IV followed by 15–20 mg/kg IV q8–12h for 2–4 weeks, then PO to complete 6–8 weeks AND Ceftriaxone 2 g IV q24h for 2–4 weeks, then PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Note (1): Decompressive laminectomy in conjunction with long-term antibiotic therapy tailored to culture results is required.
  • Note (2): For critically ill patients, a loading dose of Vancomycin 20–25 mg/kg may be considered.
  • 1.2 Pathogen-directed antimicrobial therapy
  • 1.2.1 Penicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus
  • Preferred regimen: Penicillin G 4 MU IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.2 Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus
  • Preferred regimen (1): Cefazolin 2 g IV q8h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Nafcillin 2 g IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (3): Oxacillin 2 g IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen: Clindamycin 600 mg IV q6h for 2–4 weeks, then PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.3 Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Preferred regimen: Vancomycin loading dose 25–30 mg/kg IV followed by 15–20 mg/kg IV q8–12h for 2–4 weeks, then PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen: Linezolid 600 mg PO/IV q12h for 4–6 weeks OR TMP-SMX 5 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q8–12h for 4–6 weeks
  • Pediatric dose: Vancomycin 15 mg/kg/dose IV q6h OR Linezolid 10 mg/kg/dose PO/IV q8h
  • Note: Consider the addition of Rifampin 600 mg qd or 300–450 mg bid to Vancomycin in adult patients.
  • 1.2.4 Streptococcus
  • Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin G 3–4 MU IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin 2 g IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.5 Enterococcus
  • Preferred regimen (1): Penicillin G 3–4 MU IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Ampicillin 2 g IV q4h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.6 Enterobacteriaceae
  • Preferred regimen (1): Ceftriaxone 1–2 g IV q12h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Cefotaxime 2 g IV q6–8h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.7 Gram-negative bacteria
  • Preferred regimen (1): Ceftazidime 2 g IV q8h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (2): Cefepime 2 g IV q12h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (1): Ciprofloxacin 400 mg IV q12h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (2): Levofloxacin 750 mg IV q24h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (3): Moxifloxacin 400 mg IV q24h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.8 Anaerobes
  • Preferred regimen: Metronidazole 500 mg IV q6h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • 1.2.9 Staphylococcus, Gram-negative bacteria, and anaerobes (mixed infection)
  • Preferred regimen (1): Ampicillin-Sulbactam 3 g IV q6h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Preferred regimen (3): Piperacillin-Tazobactam 3.375 g IV q4–6h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (1): Imipenem 500–1000 mg IV q6h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks
  • Alternative regimen (2): Meropenem 1–2 g IV q8h for 2–4 weeks THEN PO to complete 6–8 weeks

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Grewal, S. (2006). "Epidural abscesses". British Journal of Anaesthesia. 96 (3): 292–302. doi:10.1093/bja/ael006. ISSN 0007-0912.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Darouiche, Rabih O. (2006). "Spinal Epidural Abscess". New England Journal of Medicine. 355 (19): 2012–2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMra055111. ISSN 0028-4793.
  3. Darouiche RO, Hamill RJ, Greenberg SB, Weathers SW, Musher DM (1992). "Bacterial spinal epidural abscess. Review of 43 cases and literature survey". Medicine (Baltimore). 71 (6): 369–85. PMID 1359381.
  4. Wheeler D, Keiser P, Rigamonti D, Keay S (1992). "Medical management of spinal epidural abscesses: case report and review". Clin Infect Dis. 15 (1): 22–7. PMID 1617070.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Mandell, Gerald L.; Bennett, John E. (John Eugene); Dolin, Raphael. (2010). Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's principles and practice of infectious disease. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier. ISBN 0-443-06839-9.
  6. Longo, Dan L. (Dan Louis) (2012). Harrison's principles of internal medici. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-174889-6.
  7. Kasper, Dennis (2015). Harrison's principles of internal medicine. New York: McGraw Hill Education. ISBN 978-0071802154.
  8. Bartlett, John (2012). Johns Hopkins ABX guide : diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Burlington, MA: Jones and Bartlett Learning. ISBN 978-1449625580.
  9. Darouiche, Rabih O. (2006-11-09). "Spinal epidural abscess". The New England Journal of Medicine. 355 (19): 2012–2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMra055111. ISSN 1533-4406. PMID 17093252.
  10. Liu, Catherine; Bayer, Arnold; Cosgrove, Sara E.; Daum, Robert S.; Fridkin, Scott K.; Gorwitz, Rachel J.; Kaplan, Sheldon L.; Karchmer, Adolf W.; Levine, Donald P.; Murray, Barbara E.; J Rybak, Michael; Talan, David A.; Chambers, Henry F.; Infectious Diseases Society of America (2011-02-01). "Clinical practice guidelines by the infectious diseases society of america for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in adults and children". Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 52 (3): –18-55. doi:10.1093/cid/ciq146. ISSN 1537-6591. PMID 21208910.