Prospective Analysis of Spinal Epidural Abscess

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This is a prospective study involving all patients treated at the University of Kentucky for spinal epidural abscess over a 2-year period. Based on ongoing referrals of patients with SEA, we expect that 200 patients will be enrolled during this time window. We propose to study all available clinical, pathological, radiological, and socioeconomic data of patients diagnosed with a spinal infection with or without a history of drug abuse over this study period. All patients' charts will be prospectively reviewed starting at the time of presentation for a period of 1 year.

Official Title
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Prospective Analysis of Spinal Epidural Abscess Associated Outcomes at the University of Kentucky

Conditions
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Spinal Epidural Abscess

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Prospective chart review of subjects diagnosed with spinal epidural abscess


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: All patient with ICD codes for pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, discitis, and spinal epidural abscess will be reviewed for inclusion. Exclusion Criteria: Patients unwilling or unable to attend follow up appointments.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Subjects with spinal epidural abscess with a history of drug abuse<br> | Other: Prospective chart review of subjects diagnosed with spinal epidural abscess<br>* Collection and assessment of available clinical, pathological, radiological, and socioeconomic data on subjects presenting with spinal epidural abscess. Standard of care treatment and outcomes for each group will be analyzed.<br>|
| Subjects with spinal epidural abscess with no history of drug abuse<br> | Other: Prospective chart review of subjects diagnosed with spinal epidural abscess<br>* Collection and assessment of available clinical, pathological, radiological, and socioeconomic data on subjects presenting with spinal epidural abscess. Standard of care treatment and outcomes for each group will be analyzed.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Correlation between employment status and infection reoccurrence. | Determine the statistical correlation between employment status and infection reoccurrence within 1 year of diagnosis. | 1 year | 
| Correlation between income and infection reoccurrence. | Determine the statistical correlation between income and infection reoccurrence within 1 year of diagnosis. | 1 year | 
| Correlation between insurer and infection reoccurrence. | Determine the statistical correlation between insurer (private, Medicare/Medicade and uninsured) and infection reoccurrence within 1 year of diagnosis. | 1 year | 
| Correlation between living situation and infection reoccurrence. | Determine the statistical correlation between living situation (owns, rents, or homeless) and infection reoccurrence within 1 year of diagnosis. | 1 year |