Osteo-articular infections in newborns: diagnosis and treatment.

Osteoarticular infections, although uncommon, represent a severe condition in neonates. Infections in newborns are largely of an acute nature, transmitted by hematogenous means. The most frequently observed etiological agents are: Staphylococcus aureus, Gram negative and group B Streptococcus spp. In the majority of cases the metaphyses of the long bone are the most commonly implicated sites, although infection may spread to the contiguous epiphysis and joint in neonates. Diagnosis of acute septic arthritis and osteomyelitis may be hindered, especially in neonates, due to the manifestation of less clear-cut characteristic symptoms and signs compared to in children. When osteomyelitis is suspected, imaging techniques used in association with blood and tissue cultures are the most reliable diagnostic tests. Antimicrobial treatment should be administered for 3-4 weeks, initially intravenously, later switching to oral medication. Surgery is indicated to drain acute abscesses or when no improvement is achieved following antibiotic treatment.