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Acute purulent arthritis in children
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Acute purulent arthritis (APA) in children, a rare joint infection, most often affects the knee in toddlers. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including antibiotics and surgery, led to excellent outcomes in all cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Acute purulent arthritis (APA) is a rare but serious joint infection in children.
- Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of acute purulent arthritis in a pediatric cohort.
- To evaluate the management strategies and outcomes of APA in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 25 pediatric patients diagnosed with APA between 1960 and 1979.
- Review of clinical data, including joint involvement, age, causative pathogens, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- The knee was the most frequently affected joint (76%), with a male predominance (2.5:1 ratio).
- Most common age at onset was 1-2 years (56%). Bacterial etiology was confirmed in 44% of cases, with Staphylococcus aureus being a common pathogen.
- All patients received antimicrobial therapy (average 35 days), and 7 underwent surgical intervention (primarily arthrotomy).
Conclusions:
- Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, including antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention when necessary, are effective in managing pediatric APA.
- The study highlights the importance of timely management to achieve good outcomes and prevent long-term sequelae in children with joint infections.