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Bone and joint infection in neonates
A Narang1, K Mukhopadhyay, P Kumar
1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Neonatal septic arthritis and osteomyelitis, common in sick newborns, require prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early antibiotic therapy and surgical drainage are crucial for preventing long-term complications in these bone and joint infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Neonatalogy
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Neonatal septic arthritis and osteomyelitis are serious infections.
- These conditions can lead to significant long-term morbidity if not managed promptly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical experience of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in newborns.
- To identify common presentations, causative organisms, and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of neonates diagnosed with septic arthritis/osteomyelitis.
- Inclusion criteria: positive cultures, clinical signs, and abnormal imaging.
- Data collected on gestational age, birth weight, clinical presentation, joint involvement, and treatment.
Main Results:
- Incidence of 1 in 1500 among inborn neonates.
- Common symptoms include limited movement and local swelling.
- Hip and knee joints were most frequently affected.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common pathogens.
- 52% showed radiological changes, and 20% required surgical drainage.
Conclusions:
- Bone and joint infections are significant complications in septicemic neonates.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including antibiotics and selective surgical drainage, are essential.
- Prompt intervention can prevent long-term morbidity.