Bacterial chondritis complications following ear piercing

Abstract

Background: Body piercing has become widespread and is associated with increased complications. Post-piercing chondritis may lead to severe residual deformity. We aimed to report case patients presenting with post-piercing chondritis in our department and to describe clinical features and treatment.

Patients and methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients presenting with post-piercing chondritis in the infectious disease department of Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.

Results: We included 21 patients. Fifteen bacteriological cultures were positive (7 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 5 Staphylococcus aureus, and three other). Dual intravenous antibiotic therapy was administered to 13 patients for a median duration of six days [2-8], replaced by an oral antibiotic therapy for a median duration of 15 days [7-40]. Eight patients received oral antibiotic monotherapy for 10 days [7-30]. Median duration of antibiotic therapy was 16 days. Earring removal was performed for 18 patients. No ear deformity or general complication was reported.

Conclusion: Transcartilaginous ear piercing may lead to infectious complications or deformity. In case of chondritis, early administration of an antibiotic therapy active against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus is recommended. Specific guidelines are needed.

Keywords: Chondrite; Chondritis; Piercing; Pseudomonas aeruginosa.