[Osteomyelitis in newborn infants].

This article describes 12 patients (aged 1-28 days) suffering from neonatal osteomyelitis diagnosed between 1975 and 1987. Complications had occurred during 5 pregnancies, 9 patients had problems in the perinatal period (5 infections). In 9 cases (75%) only local symptoms existed, of which localized swelling, erythema, and loss of function were the most common. Deep soft-tissue swelling was the most common initial radiographic finding. Staphylococcus aureus (penicillin-resistant in all cases) was the most important aetiological organism (66%). Haemolytic streptococci occurred in 3 patients (group B twice, group A once). Six of 12 patients showed multifocal lesions, in 7 out of 12 patients concomitant septic arthritis existed. All patients received antibiotics (at least 2 weeks parenterally, total duration 6 weeks), while surgical intervention (exploration and drainage) took place in 8 patients. On follow-up (8 months-13 years) 4 patients showed deformity of the affected limb, leading to impaired function in 2 cases. Patients suffering from neonatal osteomyelitis require fast and properly directed therapy in order to prevent serious sequelae. Early surgical intervention is necessary if joint involvement exists.