[Osteoarticular infections in children: five-year experience].

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.