Osteomyelitis Management
Follow Up
- Response to treatment is evaluated through clinical (ie symptom resolution) & lab parameters
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels usually reach peak levels 3-5 days after the start of treatment & return to normal in about 2 wk
- C-reactive protein (CRP) levels peak 2 days after the start of treatment & return to normal after about 1 wk
- Antibiotic therapy should be revised based on results of culture & sensitivity studies
- If cultures are sterile & symptoms are resolving, empiric antibiotic therapy should be continued
- Assess patient’s need to be enrolled in a community-based parenteral anti-infective therapy program
- A functioning outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) program should have a complete & qualified health care team, efficient means of communication, guidelines for follow-up, testing & other interventions, written policies & procedures & outcomes monitoring
- A candidate for inclusion in an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) program should be willing to participate in the program & should have a home environment that is sufficient to support care