According to an update from the FDA, a patient has been identified with possible meningitis potentially associated with an epidural injection of triamcinolone acetonide. While triamcinolone acetonide is also an injectable steroid, it is a different product than methylprednisolone acetate (the steroid first associated with the meningitis outbreak). Also, one transplant patient who was administered NECC (New England Compounding Center) cardioplegic solution during surgery reportedly developed a fungal infection. As of today, there are 231 cases, 15 deaths, and 15 states associated with the fungal meningitis outbreak.
There also have been 2 cases of peripheral joint infections (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder, elbow) but no deaths. The CDC released interim guidance for treatment of adult patients who develop septic arthritis linked to intra-articular injections with potentially contaminated steroid products from NECC. On October 6, NECC announced a recall of all its products. The CDC has put together information for patients, focusing on frequently asked questions.
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My problem has been since last Dec. I have had 5 infusions and IV’s since then and each had a bad of steroids attached. Not into a joint like this news says. But…the following morning after each infusion or IV I have woken up with fingernail inflammation and infections that last for weeks. One nail came of completely and took months to grow back. I have had 3 eye surgeries since June 25th, 2012 and each time had this infection. My thumb is the worst with an abscess around the cuticle. I have shown at least 5 doctors who don’t seem to have an answer. The last eye surgery which was 2 days ago, Oct. 15th, I asked the dr. to add an antibiotic. Hopefully this will help the infection from the last eye surgery that never went away. Could this be a fungal infection from the steroid? I don’t know where the steroid came from they used but this is California. The news yesterday said to report any unusual symptoms. This is that.
I don’t know answer to your question, but can tell you I received an email listing all the possible infection carriers in the Dayton, OH area – most of them were eye surgeons places of business.
Get medically examined.
Received 6 facet joint injections from NECC confirmed bad lots. 2 day after starting getting sick, 19 days later hospitalized for the increased pain, inability to walk and red injection site. Told Dr’s all this related to injections. Released after pain was tolerable with morphine. To date still has nausea, chills, increased pain, can not sleep for more than 2 hours at a time and have to use a walker. Injection sites no longer red. Still on morphine and now edema with major swelling in legs, ankles & feet. If I do have this “infection” from the contaiminated shots, what other things could this attack in my body, as I believe my edema is from this infection. Also, MRI 2 weeks after shots showed an inflamation area as did 2nd MRI 6 weeks after shots. No inflamation area on MRI done 5 months prior to shots. Lumbar puncture will not show this type of fungal infection. Where do I go from here as I really need to find out if this is why I am still having problems.