The Role of Serum Fibrinogen in Predicting Reinfection after DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infections

Abstract Background Fibrinogen (FIB) has been used to differentiate periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) from aseptic loosening. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of FIB in predicting postoperative reinfection in patients with debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the patients who were admitted to DAIR from January 2013 to August 2019 for consideration of PJI readmission. Subgroups were divided into subgroups based on whether there was reinfection after DAIR treatment, and the diagnostic value of serum fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) before DAIR treatment was analyzed by receiver operating Characteristic curve (ROC). To evaluate the diagnostic value of FIB in predicting postoperative reinfection in DAIR patients. Results FIB expression was different in acute PJI patients and chronic PJI patients treated with DAIR (4.03 VS 3.08; P < .05, 4.28 VS 3.68; P < .05). In patients with acute PJI treated with DAIR, the sensitivity and specificity of FIB were 81.82% and 83.33%, respectively, significantly higher than CRP (sensitivity, 72.73%; Specificity, 50%; P < .05), while the specificity was higher than ESR (specificity,41.67%; P < .05). In patients with chronic PJI treated with DAIR, the sensitivity and specificity of FIB were 80.00% and 66.66%, respectively, significantly higher than CRP (sensitivity, 53.33%; Specificity, 66.66%; P < .05), ESR (sensitivity was 66.00%; Specificity, 16.66 %; P < .05). Conclusion FIB can predict reinfection after DAIR treatment for acute or chronic PJI. Considering the low success rate of DAIR treatment for chronic PJI, it should be chosen carefully.