Synovial biomarkers have recently been adopted as diagnostic tools for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) but their utility is uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesise the evidence on the accuracy of alpha-defensin immune-assay and leucocyte esterase colorimetric test strip for the diagnosis of PJI, compared to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society diagnostic criteria.
The diagnostic accuracy for PJI was high for both tests. Given the limited number of studies, more independent research on these tests is warranted given the large cost difference between the tests.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
Synovial biomarkers have recently been adopted as diagnostic tools for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) but their utility is uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesise the evidence on the accuracy of alpha-defensin immune-assay and leucocyte esterase colorimetric test strip for the diagnosis of PJI, compared to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society diagnostic criteria.
The diagnostic accuracy for PJI was high for both tests. Given the limited number of studies, more independent research on these tests is warranted given the large cost difference between the tests.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.