Clinical and laboratory features of Nigerian patients with osteomyelitis

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of Nigerian patients with osteomyelitis.

30 patients with osteomyelitis and 30 apparently-healthy age- and sex-matched controls were investigated. The packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cells (WBC) and differentials, and platelet counts were measured using an automated counter, while the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Westergren's technique. C3 activator, C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), IgA, IgG and IgM were estimated by the single radial immunodiffusion method. Wound swabs, blood cultures and biopsies were taken and sent for microscopic, culture and sensitivity analysis.

Patients with osteomyelitis had elevated total leucocytes, neutrophils, and platelet counts compared to the controls. There was also significant anaemia (t equals 3.17, p-value equals 0.002) and a significantly elevated ESR (t equals 3.75, p-value equals 0.000). Serum levels of C3 activator were significantly higher in patients with osteomyelitis (t equals 6.29, p-value equals 0.000). Although serum levels of C1-INH, IgG and IgM were higher in osteomyelitis, they were not significantly so. Serum levels of IgA were reduced in patients with osteomyelitis. Significant correlations between PCV and ESR (r equals -0.486, p-value equals 0.006), ESR and total WBC count (r equals +0.542, p-value equals 0.002), ESR and platelet count (r equals 0.445, p-value equals 0.013) and total WBC count and IgG (r equals 0.507, p-value equals 0.019) were noted .

Nigerian patients with osteomyelitis have similar clinical and laboratory features already described in literature, with some noted immune dysfunctions.