Haemophilus influenzae type b osteomyelitis in infants and children

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M H Lebel1, J D Nelson

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|April 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae type b is a rare cause of osteomyelitis in children, but significant in infants. This study reviewed 16 cases, highlighting clinical features and outcomes of this serious bone infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Musculoskeletal Infections
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is infrequently recognized as a cause of osteomyelitis in pediatric populations.
  • Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and outcomes of osteomyelitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b in infants and children.
  • To determine the incidence of Hib osteomyelitis within a pediatric cohort over a 28-year period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of pediatric osteomyelitis cases over 28 years.
  • Identification and analysis of cases specifically attributed to Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • Evaluation of patient demographics, clinical signs, symptoms, concurrent conditions, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Sixteen cases of Haemophilus osteomyelitis were identified, accounting for 4.4% of all osteomyelitis cases during the study period.
  • In children aged 1-24 months, Hib was responsible for 13.3% of osteomyelitis cases, with a mean age of 15 months.
  • Common presentations included fever, preceding respiratory infection, localized swelling, decreased joint range of motion, erythema, and tenderness. Concurrent suppurative arthritis (75%) and meningitis (19%) were frequent.

Conclusions:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b, while rare, is a notable cause of osteomyelitis in young children, particularly those under 24 months.
  • Prompt recognition of clinical signs and appropriate management, including surgical drainage when indicated, are crucial for satisfactory outcomes.
  • The high association with suppurative arthritis underscores the aggressive nature of Hib bone infections in this age group.

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