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Acute osteomyelitis in children: a population-based retrospective study 1965 to 1994
L B Dahl1, A L Høyland, H Dramsdahl
1Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, Tromsø, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 4, 1999
Summary
Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) in children shows consistent characteristics over time, with Staphylococcus aureus as the primary pathogen. This study provides incidence data for AHO in a Norwegian region.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) is a significant bone infection in children.
- Understanding its epidemiological characteristics and treatment patterns is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of AHO in children up to 12 years old in Troms, Norway.
- To analyze changes in clinical features, diagnostics, etiology, and antibiotic use for AHO.
- To provide updated epidemiological data for childhood AHO.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 86 pediatric patients diagnosed with AHO between 1965 and 1994.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical presentations, laboratory results, and treatment regimens.
- Calculation of AHO incidence rates within the defined geographical area.
Main Results:
- A constant yearly incidence of AHO was calculated at 0.1 per 1000 children.
- Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen (76%), with a tendency towards increased betalactamase-producing strains.
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated in most cases; long bones were most commonly affected.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiological characteristics of AHO in children remain largely consistent across different regions and time periods.
- A notable finding was a higher proportion of affected females in this study cohort.
- This research establishes a specific incidence rate for childhood AHO in a defined northern Norwegian region.