Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
In vivo Macrophage Imaging Using MR Targeted Contrast Agent for Longitudinal Evaluation of Septic Arthritis
Published on: October 20, 2013
Current clinical and bacteriological profile of septic arthritis in young infants: a prospective study from a
Gireesh Sankaran1, Balaji Zacharia2, Antony Roy3
1Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Kozhikkode, Kerala, India.
Insights
Septic arthritis in infants is evolving, with resistant bacteria like MRSA emerging. Key risk factors include prematurity and low birth weight, necessitating early diagnosis for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Neonatology
Background:
- Septic arthritis (SA) in young infants presents unique challenges.
- Understanding its evolving epidemiology and risk factors is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and bacteriological profile of septic arthritis in infants up to 3 months old.
- To identify risk factors and changing trends in SA epidemiology.
Main Methods:
- Prospective descriptive study of young infants diagnosed with SA.
- Inclusion of clinical, perinatal, radiological, and laboratory data (blood counts, ESR, CRP, cultures).
- Emergency arthrotomy and antibiotic administration were standard care.
Main Results:
- Thirty infants (mean age 22 days) were studied; pseudoparalysis and pain were common symptoms.
- Knee and hip joints were most frequently affected; ultrasound and elevated CRP were reliable diagnostics.
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most common pathogen (43.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (23%).
- Antibiotic sensitivity showed lower rates for ceftriaxone (53%) and amoxicillin (35%) compared to gentamycin (88%) and vancomycin (100%).
- Significant risk factors included prematurity (57%), low birthweight (73%), anemia (80%), prior hospitalization (93%), and invasive procedures (90%).
Conclusions:
- Septic arthritis epidemiology and causative organisms are shifting, with an increase in resistant and gram-negative species.
- Prematurity, low birthweight, and previous hospitalization are major predisposing factors.
- Early diagnosis and prompt treatment, informed by an understanding of varied presentations, are critical for favorable prognoses.
Purpose:
The study was carried out to evaluate the clinical and bacteriological profile of SA in young infants (age ≤ 3 months) in a tertiary referral centre and to assess the risk factors and to document the changing trends in the epidemiology.
Methods:
This was a prospective descriptive study on all young infants with SA. Clinical and perinatal history, examination, radiological and laboratory findings (blood count, ESR, CRP, blood and joint cultures) were studied. Emergency arthrotomy was done and antibiotics were administered in all patients.
Result:
Thirty young infants were included with a mean age of 22 ± 13.6 days and with male-to-female ratio 1.5:1. Pseudoparalysis and pain were the most common presenting symptoms. Knee joint was most commonly involved followed by hip. Ultrasound of the joint (86%) and elevated CRP levels (97%) were found to be reliable diagnostic markers. Most common causative organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (43.3%) followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (23%). Sensitivity to empirical antibiotic regimen was lower (ceftriaxone 53%, amoxicillin 35%) when compared to higher antibiotics (gentamycin 88%, vancomycin 100%). Prematurity (57%), low birthweight (73%), anaemia (80%), previous history of hospitalisation (93%) and invasive procedures (90%) were found to be important risk factors.
Conclusion:
The disease has distinct regional variations, and the epidemiological and bacterial profile is constantly changing. There is a shift in causative organisms towards more resistant and gram-negative species. Prematurity, low birthweight and previous hospitalisation are the major predisposing factors. A better understanding of the varied presentations is necessary for an early diagnosis and treatment, which is the most important prognostic factor.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tertiary Healthcare System
01:12Nomenclature of Secondary and Tertiary Amines
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...