Related Experiment Videos
Septic arthritis in children with hemophilia
A S Pappo1, G R Buchanan, A Johnson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9063.
Insights
Children with hemophilia have a higher risk of developing septic arthritis, a serious joint infection. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may increase this risk, particularly in patients unresponsive to standard treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Septic arthritis is a severe joint infection that can lead to significant morbidity.
- Children with hemophilia are at increased risk for bleeding disorders and may have unique susceptibility to infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of septic arthritis in children with hemophilia.
- To identify potential risk factors and clinical features of septic arthritis in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for children with hemophilia treated at a single center over a 6-year period.
- Analysis of causative organisms, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes for patients who developed septic arthritis.
Main Results:
- Four of 139 children (2.9% incidence) developed septic arthritis.
- Common pathogens included Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
- Patients presented with fever and joint pain/swelling unresponsive to factor replacement therapy.
Conclusions:
- Septic arthritis is an uncommon but serious complication in children with hemophilia.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity may be a significant risk factor for septic arthritis in this population.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing septic arthritis in children with hemophilia.
Abstract:
Four of the 139 children with hemophilia followed up at our center have developed septic arthritis during the past 6 years (2.9% incidence). Two infections were caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and one each by Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Common features at time of presentation included fever and a 2- to 7-day history of joint pain and swelling unresponsive to factor replacement infusions. Since three of the patients were human immunodeficiency virus seropositive, we propose that human immunodeficiency virus infection may be responsible for the disproportionately high number of cases of septic arthritis observed in our patient population.