Synovial Calprotectin is Superior to Synovial Leukocyte Count in Excluding Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infections, a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Synovial calprotectin is a promising biomarker for diagnosing chronic periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), but its diagnostic value has not been directly compared to synovial leukocyte count and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. This study aimed to: (1) evaluate and compare the diagnostic accuracy between these markers in patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for chronic PJI or aseptic reasons; and (2) determine the best rule-out and rule-in test for PJI.

Methods: Synovial fluid samples from patients undergoing revision arthroplasty in hip and knee joints were collected and analyzed.

(Pre)analytical considerations concerning the analysis of synovial calprotectin.

Objectives: Several studies have demonstrated that synovial calprotectin is a highly accurate biomarker in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). Assuring reliability is of great importance and coincides with adequate preanalytical handling. This study focuses on potentially interfering factors.

Synovial Calprotectin: An Inexpensive Biomarker to Exclude a Chronic Prosthetic Joint Infection.

Background: To diagnose or exclude a chronic prosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be a clinical challenge. Therefore, sensitive and specific biomarkers are needed in the diagnostic work-up. Calprotectin is a protein with antimicrobial properties and is released by activated neutrophils, making it a specific marker for infection.