BackgroundThe importance of the vitamin D homeostasis in infections is already known. However, its significance in periprosthetic infections (PPIs) after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty is largely unexplored. The aim of the study is to precisely analyze the vitamin D balance in patients with PPIs after total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Here, cases with primary endoprosthesis implants and aseptic loosening are used as comparison groups.Materials and methodsIn this prospective matched-pair analysis, patients with PPI at the hip and knee joints were included in the study group (SG). The control groups (CGs) consisted of patients with primary implants (CG I) and who underwent replacement surgery due to aseptic loosening (CG II). In addition to 25 OH vitamin D3 and calcium, bone mineral and protein parameters were determined. An osteoporosis-specific questionnaire was collected.ResultsThere are no significant differences in the 25 OH-vitamin D levels between the SG (17.9±8.9) and both CGs (CG I: 16.8±6.90; CG II: 19.7±7.90). However, compared with the SG, significantly higher levels of calcium (Ca) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase were found in both CGs in comparison with the SG. Significantly lower values concerning the protein balance in PPI were conspicuous. Acute PPI showed a significant reduction in 25 OH vitamin D3 compared with chronic infections (8.3±5.98 vs 21.6±8.40, P=0.002). Calcium and protein balance were also significantly reduced in acute PPIs.ConclusionAcute PPIs of the hip and knee joints show a significantly reduced calcium and 25 OH vitamin D3 levels as well as lowered proteins (albumin and total protein) compared with chronic infections as well as primary endoprostheses and aseptic replacement operations. Substitution of vitamin D3 and calcium with simultaneous adaptation of the protein balance is recommended in all PPIs, especially in the acute PPI.

Background Malnutrition caused by protein and vitamin deficiencies is a significant negative prognostic factor in surgical wound healing disorders and infections. Particularly in elective surgery, preoperative compensation of deficiencies is advisable to avoid negative postoperative consequences. This study examined the nutritional and protein balance of patients with periprosthetic hip and knee joint infections. Material and methods Patients with periprosthetic hip or knee joint infections constituted the study group (SG). Control group I (CG I) included patients with primary implants and CG II included patients who required revision surgery because of aseptic loosening. Relevant nutritional and protein parameters were determined via analysis of peripheral venous blood samples. In addition, a questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional and eating patterns of all patients. The nutritional risk screening (NRS) 2002 score and body mass index (BMI) were also calculated for all participants. Results Differences were found in the albumin level (SG: 36.23 ± 7.34, CG I: 44.37 ± 3.32, p < 0.001, CG II: 44.06 ± 4.24, p < 0.001) and total protein in serum (SG: 65.42 ± 8.66, CG I: 70.80 ± 5.33, p = 0.004, CG II: 71.22 ± 5.21, p = 0.004). The number of patients with lowered albumin levels (SG 19/61, CG I 1/78, CG II 2/55) and total protein in serum (SG: 12/61, CG I 5/78, CG II 2/55) also showed considerable variation. The number of patients with a NRS 2002 score ≥3 differed significantly between SG and both CGs (SG: 5/61, CG I 1/78, CG II 0/55); however, these differences could not be confirmed using BMI. Conclusion As expected, lowered albumin and total protein levels were observed in PJI due to the acute phase reaction. The NRS can be performed to exclude nutritional deficiency, which cannot be excluded based on BMI. In cases of periprosthetic joint infection it is reasonable to compensate the nutritional deficiency with dietary supplements.