Osteoarticular infections in children: five-year experience

Abstract

Background. Osteoarticular infections (IOA) are considered infectious emergencies. The main microorganisms isolated are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Aim: To describe demographic and clinical characteristics of patients from 2 months to 15 years old, hospitalized between the years 2012 and 2017 with IOA diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective study in a pediatric hospital. Clinical records of hospitalized patients with IOA were reviewed. Results: 146 met inclusion criteria. 60.3% of the patients were male, median age 3 years 11 months. The main symptom at admission was joint pain (90%) and the median CRP was 43 mg/L.  48% of the patients had microbiological identification; 67.8% were positive for Staphylococcus aureus (10.2% SAMR). 94.5% of the sample received empirical antistaphylococcal beta-lactam treatment and 70,5% had a surgical intervention. Clinical response was observed 72 hours of beginning of treatment, and a decreased in inflammatory laboratory markers was observed at 4.7 days. 88% of patients attended without complications. Conclusions: IOA infections are more common in boys, S. aureus is the main isolated pathogen, so we suggest to initiate the antimicrobial scheme with an antistaphylococcal beta-lactam, adding broad spectrum antimicrobial in children under 5 years.  After 5 days of treatment, clinical resolution and decreased inflammatory laboratory parameters were observed.