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Published on: February 23, 2014
[Pneumococcal arthritis in paediatric population]
G Barbeito-Castiñeiras1, M Guinda-Giménez, O Cores-Calvo
1Gema Barbeito-Castiñeiras, Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela. Avenida da Choupana S/N, CP 15706, Santiago de Compostela. A Coruña, Spain. Gema.Barbeito.Castineiras@sergas.es.
Insights
Pediatric septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a serious condition. Early clinical and microbiological diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term complications in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Septic arthritis in children requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant pathogen in pediatric infections.
Observation:
- A retrospective review of pediatric joint fluid samples was conducted.
- Identified three cases of septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Findings:
- Two cases involved positive bacterial cultures, and one utilized antigen detection.
- All three pediatric patients, two under 15 months, had hip joint involvement and favorable outcomes with combined antibiotic and surgical treatment.
Implications:
- Pneumococcal arthritis should be considered in pediatric arthritis cases, often secondary to bacteremia.
- Timely diagnosis is essential to minimize the risk of sequelae in pediatric septic arthritis.
Objective:
Cases of septic arthritis in paediatric population by Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Health Area of Santiago de Compostela (Spain) were reviewed.
Methods:
A retrospective study from January 2005 to March 2014 was conducted for all S. pneumoniae isolates obtained from joint fluids in children.
Results:
From the 7,416 joint fluids received in the Microbiology Department, 77 belonged to paediatric patients, and of these, only 8 had positive culture. In total, there were three positive cases for S. pneumoniae, two with positive culture and a third with positive antigen detection. In the three patients (two of them under 15 months) the affected joint was hip, antibiotic treatment was combined with surgical drainage and evolution was favourable.
Conclusions:
We conclude that pneumococcal arthritis is an entity that must be taken into account since most cases of arthritis in paediatric population appear as a complication of bacteraemia after a common cold or an ear infection. The greatest risk of sequel is associated with delays in diagnosis, so it is essential clinical and microbiological early diagnosis.
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