Chondroprotective effect of salicylate and chloroquine in pyogenic septic arthritis.

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of salicylate (Aspisol; Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany) and chloroquine on preventing cartilage damage in septic arthritis.
Methods: A septic arthritis model was created by inoculating the knee joint of young rabbits (n=21) with Staphylococcus aureus. Some rabbits with inflicted septic arthritis did not undergo any treatment and served as the control group (n=7). The second group (n=7) was started on salicylate on day 2 to investigate the effects of salicylate on joint cartilage. The third group (n=7) was started on chloroquine on day 2 to investigate the effects of chloroquine on joint cartilage. All three groups underwent arthrotomy, drainage and synoviectomy on day 7 of the experiment. Animals were sacrificed on day 14 and the joint cartilages were extracted. Histopathology, determination of local prostaglandin (PGE)-like activity, and evaluation of hyaluronic acid loss were performed on all samples.
Results: The control group and the salicylate group were similar in the extent of joint damage. Salicylate did not prevent joint cartilage damage despite inhibiting PGE synthesis. Chloroquine, despite not inhibiting PGE synthesis, did prevent cartilage destruction.
Conclusion: If supported by larger-scale studies, chloroquine could be added to the antibiotic regimen in the treatment of septic arthritis to prevent cartilage damage.