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Pediatric osteomyelitis in Panama
X Sáez-Llorens1, J Velarde, C Cantón
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital del Niño, Panama City, Panama.
Insights
This study reviewed 241 pediatric osteomyelitis cases from 1974-1992. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause, with specific pathogens linked to certain patient groups, guiding pediatric bone infection management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Osteomyelitis is a significant bone infection in children.
- Understanding causative pathogens and risk factors is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the bacteriologic etiology and clinical characteristics of pediatric osteomyelitis.
- To provide epidemiological data for guiding management in Latin American children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 241 children diagnosed with osteomyelitis between 1974 and 1992.
- Identification and documentation of causative microorganisms.
- Correlation of pathogens with age, clinical presentation, and underlying conditions.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen (40%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4%), Salmonella species (3%), and Haemophilus influenzae type b (3%).
- Haemophilus influenzae type b was exclusively found in children under 2 years.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa was associated with penetrating foot injuries, and Salmonella with sickle cell disease.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus aureus is the primary cause of pediatric osteomyelitis across all age groups.
- Specific pathogens have distinct associations with patient demographics and clinical scenarios, informing targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Abstract:
Two hundred forty-one children who had osteomyelitis during a 19-year period, 1974 through 1992, were identified by chart review. Acute osteomyelitis or chronic osteomyelitis was the diagnosis for 221 (92%) and 20 (8%) of the children, respectively. Bacteriologic etiology was documented in 137 (57%) of the cases. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella species organisms, and Haemophilus influenzae type b were isolated from 97 (40%), 10 (4%), 8 (3%), and 7 (3%) of the children, respectively. S. aureus was the predominant microorganism in all age groups, whereas H. influenzae occurred only in children younger than 2 years of age. P. aeruginosa was recovered predominantly from children with a penetrating injury of the foot, while salmonella bone infections were diagnosed in patients with sickle cell disease. These data provide guidelines for the initial work-up for and management of osteomyelitis in children living in developing Latin American countries.