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Study details clinical course of humeral osteomyelitis in pediatric patients
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Results from a 10-year retrospective study in New Zealand on pediatric patients with humeral osteomyelitis highlight the efficacy of antibiotics and debridement for cases of infection and the need for surgeons to look out for concurrent septic arthritis in these patients.
Researchers reviewed the clinical records of 49 patients with an average age of 4.2 years who were treated for humeral osteomyelitis at two institutions. Reviews included patient demographics, symptom duration, limb use, trauma or illness history, and whether patients complained about pain.
Findings showed higher rates of the condition among the Maori and Pacific Islander populations in the country. Overall, 38 patients did not use their affected limbs and 34 patients complained of limb pain. According to the initial examination, 55% of patients were febrile (average temperature 38.6° C). White cell counts, C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates were increased in 70% to 79% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism, with community-acquired methicillin resistant S. aureus found in two cases, according to blood and tissue cultures.
Infections were found mostly in the distal humerus. Overall, 53% of patients needed surgery. Antibiotic treatment duration on average for intravenous antibiotics and oral antibiotics was 2.7 weeks and 2.6 weeks, respectively. Adjacent septic arthritis was seen in seven cases, with higher inflammatory markers in all cases. Overall, there were three major complications, including one growth disturbance and two multi-organ failures, according to researchers. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: Street reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
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