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Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment of Human Brucellar Spondylodiscitis
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Infectious Discitis and Spondylodiscitis in Children
Nicola Principi1, Susanna Esposito2
1Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy. nicola.principi@unimi.it.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 13, 2016
Summary
Pediatric infectious discitis and spondylodiscitis are rare but serious spinal infections. Early diagnosis and molecular methods for identifying pathogens are crucial for effective antibiotic treatment and preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Infectious discitis (D) and spondylodiscitis (SD) in children are rare but can lead to severe spinal deformities, instability, and neurological damage.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current concepts on the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric D and SD.
- To emphasize the importance of identifying causative agents and their antibiotic sensitivities.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on pediatric discitis and spondylodiscitis.
- Discussion of diagnostic challenges, including limitations of traditional cultures.
- Highlighting the role of modern molecular diagnostic techniques.
Main Results:
- Various bacterial pathogens can cause pediatric D and SD.
- Traditional cultures often yield negative results, while molecular methods improve pathogen detection rates.
- Accurate identification of the infectious agent is critical for selecting appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Conclusions:
- Early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic treatment are vital for managing pediatric D and SD.
- Molecular diagnostics significantly enhance the identification of causative pathogens.
- Effective management requires careful consideration of pathogen-specific antibiotic sensitivities to ensure successful treatment and prevent long-term complications.
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