Osteoarticular involvement in pediatric brucellosis: A 15-year retrospective study from a tertiary care pediatric hospital.

This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and radiological characteristics of pediatric brucellosis patients with and without osteoarticular involvement, and to identify associated risk factors and outcomes. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 101 children diagnosed with brucellosis between 2008 and 2022. Data were extracted from patient files and electronic records. Patients were grouped based on the presence or absence of osteoarticular involvement. Of the 101 patients, 52 (51.5%) had osteoarticular involvement. Myalgia (P = .027), low back pain (P < .001), and higher serum standard tube agglutination titers (P = .004) were significantly more common in this group, while abdominal pain was more frequent in patients without joint involvement (P = .007). The time from symptom onset to hospital admission was significantly longer in the osteoarticular group (P = .033). Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed sacroiliitis and hip involvement in 69.2% of relevant cases. In tropical and endemic regions where brucellosis remains a significant public health problem, children presenting with myalgia, back pain, high standard tube agglutination titers, and prolonged symptom duration should be carefully evaluated for osteoarticular brucellosis. Early identification is essential for preventing complications and optimizing treatment.