Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Using Computer-based Image Analysis to Improve Quantification of Lung Metastasis in the 4T1 Breast Cancer Model
Published on: October 2, 2020
Paediatric Osteomyelitis in Fiji
Basharat Munshi1, Wiremu MacFater2, Andrew G Hill2
1Department of Medical Sciences, Fiji National University, Suva, Fiji. basharat.munshi@fnu.ac.fj.
Insights
Paediatric osteomyelitis is a significant health issue in Fiji, particularly affecting ethnic Fijian males aged 5-9. Early diagnosis and treatment of acute osteomyelitis lead to high success rates, while chronic cases require more intervention.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Epidemiology
Background:
- Osteomyelitis in children can cause severe long-term disability and poses a substantial healthcare burden, especially in developing nations.
- Timely diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing morbidity and long-term complications associated with pediatric osteomyelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, demographic characteristics, etiology, and treatment outcomes of pediatric osteomyelitis in Fiji.
- To analyze the microorganism profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns in pediatric osteomyelitis cases in Fiji.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with osteomyelitis between 2006 and 2010 was conducted.
- Data were collected from three major divisional hospitals in Fiji, covering all identified pediatric cases.
Main Results:
- An annual incidence of 18.1 cases per 100,000 children was recorded, with higher rates in ethnic Fijian males aged 5-9.
- Staphylococcus Aureus was the predominant pathogen, consistently sensitive to cloxacillin. Trauma and skin sepsis were common preceding factors.
- Chronic osteomyelitis occurred in 54% of cases, often presenting as abscesses or sinus tracts, and required more operative interventions with lower treatment success rates (61%) compared to acute osteomyelitis (92%).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric osteomyelitis is a significant public health concern in Fiji, disproportionately affecting young ethnic Fijian males.
- Acute osteomyelitis has a high success rate with treatment, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and intervention.
- Effective management strategies are essential to mitigate the impact of osteomyelitis on children's health in Fiji.
Introduction:
Osteomyelitis can lead to significant morbidity and long-term disability if early treatment is not initiated in a timely manner. For developing countries this can lead to a significant burden on the healthcare system. This study aims to describe the demographic variables, aetiology and outcomes of treatment and to calculate the incidence of paediatric osteomyelitis in Fiji. The micro-organism profile and the outcomes for treatment were analysed.
Methods:
This is a retrospective review of medical records of all paediatric patients presenting to hospitals in Fiji over a 5-year period (2006-2010) with a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Data were collected from the three divisional hospitals in Fiji (Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Lautoka Hospital and Labasa Hospital).
Results:
Two hundred and twenty patients were identified. An annual incidence of 18.1 cases/100,000 paediatric population was identified. The highest incidence was in the itaukei (ethnic Fijian) population (21 cases/100,000). Males were at a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis (20.8/105 vs. 10.7/105). Staphylococcus Aureus was identified in 86% of all positive blood and 81% of all positive pus cultures, and it was sensitive to cloxacillin in 100% of cases. The most common factor identified preceding the development of osteomyelitis was trauma (55%) followed by skin sepsis (32%). Fifty-four per cent of the cases had chronic osteomyelitis, and the most common mode of presentation was in the form of an abscess (48%) followed by sinus/sequestrum (24%). The age group most commonly affected was between 5 and 9 years of age (19.6/105). Children with chronic osteomyelitis were more likely to require operative intervention in addition to antibiotics as compared to acute osteomyelitis (85 vs. 24%). The success rate of treating acute osteomyelitis was 92% compared to 61% for chronic osteomyelitis.
Conclusion:
Paediatric osteomyelitis poses a significant problem in Fiji, especially in the male, ethnic Fijian population between 5 and 9 years of age. The chance of complete resolution after treatment of acute osteomyelitis is very good. Therefore, interventions aimed at early diagnosis and treatments are required.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:26Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
01:17Poliomyelitis
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis