Diabetic ketoacidosis precipitated by Staphylococcus aureus abscess and bacteremia due to acupuncture: case report and review of the literature.

Acupuncture use is increasing in the United States. Despite multiple studies, the efficacy and safety of acupuncture are poorly defined. We report a previously healthy patient who developed a thigh abscess, bacteremia, and diabetic ketoacidosis after acupuncture treatment. We review the literature on infectious complications of acupuncture.