STP in medical terms commonly refers to septic or suppurative thrombophlebitis. This is a condition characterized by a blood clot (thrombus) within a vein that is also infected by bacteria or fungi.
Understanding Septic Thrombophlebitis
Septic thrombophlebitis (STP) is a serious condition because the infected clot can lead to the spread of infection throughout the body, potentially causing sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection.
Causes of Septic Thrombophlebitis
STP can arise from several sources:
- Intravenous catheters: The most common cause, especially when catheters are left in place for extended periods.
- Skin breakdown: Infection can spread from surrounding tissue into a vein.
- Adjacent infections: Infection from nearby non-vascular structures can invade a vein.
Key Features of STP:
- Thrombus: A blood clot forming within a vein.
- Infection: Presence of bacteria or fungi within the thrombus and vein.
- Inflammation: Swelling, redness, and pain around the affected vein.
- Systemic Symptoms: Fever, chills, and other signs of a widespread infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing STP often involves blood cultures to identify the infecting organism, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or CT scans) to visualize the thrombus and surrounding tissues, and clinical evaluation.
Treatment typically includes:
- Antibiotics or antifungals: To eradicate the infection.
- Anticoagulants: Medications to prevent further clot formation and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism (blood clot traveling to the lungs).
- Surgical intervention: In some cases, the infected vein may need to be surgically removed to control the infection.
