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Causative microorganisms in surgically treated pediatric hand infections
Neil Harness1, Philip E Blazar
1Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Pediatric hand infections show different causative organisms than adults. Staphylococcus aureus was less common, with mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections often linked to digital sucking, suggesting broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Musculoskeletal Infections
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Causative organisms in pediatric musculoskeletal infections differ from adults.
- Understanding microbial patterns in pediatric hand infections is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific organisms responsible for surgically treated hand infections in children.
- To compare microbial findings in pediatric hand infections with those in adult populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hospital and computer records.
- Analysis of 31 pediatric patients undergoing surgical intervention for forearm, wrist, and hand infections between 1996 and 2002.
- Identification of organisms from surgical cultures.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was the primary organism in 37% of pediatric cases, lower than in adults.
- Mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections occurred in 7 of 32 primary procedures, often associated with paronychia.
- Group A Streptococcus pyogenes was identified in 20% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric hand infections have a distinct microbial profile compared to adults.
- Mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections in children may be linked to digital sucking or biting behaviors.
- Initial treatment recommendations include broad-spectrum antibiotics with anaerobic coverage for pediatric hand infections.