Osteoarticular Infections: Younger Children With Septic Arthritis and Low Inflammatory Patterns Have a Better Prognosis in a European Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarticular infections (OAI) are associated with complications and sequelae in children, whose prediction are of great importance in improving outcomes. We aimed to design risk prediction models to identify early complications and sequelae in children with OAI. METHODS: This observational study included children (>3 months-17 years old) with acute OAI admitted to a tertiary-care pediatric hospital between 2008 and 2018. Clinical treatment, complications and sequelae were recorded. We developed a multivariable logistic predictive model for an acute complicated course (ACC) and another for sequelae. RESULTS: A total of 240 children were identified, 17.5% with ACC and 6.0% and 3.6% with sequelae at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, respectively. In the multivariable logistic predictive model for ACC, predictors were fever at admission [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10-8.12], C-reactive protein ≥100 mg/L (aOR: 2.37; 95% CI: 1.05-5.35), osteomyelitis (aOR: 4.39; 95% CI: 2.04-9.46) and Staphylococcus aureus infection (aOR: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.39-8.77), with an area under the ROC curve of 0.831 (95% CI: 0.767-0.895). For sequelae at 6 months, predictors were age ≥4 years (aOR: 4.08; 95% CI: 1.00-16.53), C-reactive protein ≥110 mg/L (aOR: 4.59; 95% CI: 1.25-16.90), disseminated disease (aOR: 9.21; 95% CI: 1.82-46.73) and bone abscess (OR: 5.46; 95% CI: 1.23-24.21), with an area under the ROC curve of 0.887 (95% CI: 0.815-0.959). CONCLUSIONS: In our model we could identify patients at low risk for complications and sequelae, probably requiring a less aggressive approach.

Case Report of an Osteochondral Lesion of the First Metatarsal Head in an Adolescent Patient Treated by Autograft Mosaicplasty: Surgical Technique and Decision-Making Rationale.

Introduction: First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint mobility is critical to a normal gait pattern; therefore, osteochondral defects (OCDs) of the first metatarsal head should be treated promptly to avoid functional limitation and progression to hallux rigidus. <15 cases of OCDs of the first MTP joint in the pediatric population, predominantly adolescents, have been published so far. The purpose of this article is to present a rare case of an adolescent first MTP joint OCD treated by the technique of autograft osteochondral mosaicplasty, which has been commonly used for OCDs of the knee and talus but scarcely described for the first MTP joint. Case Report: The case of a 13-year-old male futsal player with a post-traumatic 50 mm2 OCD of the first metatarsal head is presented. The Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System® (Arthrex Inc™, Naples, FL) was used to harvest a 10-mm diameter donor plug from the medial ipsilateral femoral condyle, then delivered to the first metatarsal head. At the 6-month follow-up, physical activity had been resumed with no pain or significant mobility limitation and an improvement of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society hallux score of 54-95 points. At the same time, a follow-up magnetic resonance showed complete incorporation of the osteochondral graft without bone edema or subchondral osteonecrosis. Conclusion: Treatment for osteochondral lesions, regardless of their location, aims to restore function by recreating the articular congruity reducing the potential for a progressive degenerative process. Multiple surgical treatment options exist for OCDs of the first metatarsal head. The treatment decision must take into consideration both patient factors and lesion factors. Based on this, a literature revision and treatment decision rationale are presented. This case demonstrated that an osteochondral transplant could be a reasonable treatment option for a traumatic, full-thickness OCD of the first metatarsal head in adolescent patients.

Osteoarticular infections in infants under 3 months of age.

BACKGROUND: Acute osteoarticular infections (OAI) in infants under 3 months of age (≤3M) are rare and remain a diagnostic challenge. Orthopedic complications and functional sequelae have been less well described in this age group. Our aims were to evaluate trends in aetiology, management, and outcomes of OAI ≤ 3M, and to compare these younger children who have OAI with older children. METHODS: A longitudinal observational study was conducted of OAI cases admitted to tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2008 to 2018. OAI ≤ 3M was compared with children above 3 months. Clinical, microbiological, imaging, and outcome data were analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 24 (9.1%) of the 263 OAI in children under 3 months. Analyzing OAI ≤ 3M there was a twofold increase since 2014; 54% were males with a median age of 28 days (IQR: 13.5-60.0), 10 (41.7%) were premature and nine (37.5%) had healthcare-associated infections. Microbiological causes were identified in 87.5%, mostly Staphylococcus aureus (57.1%) and Group B Streptococcus (23.8%), and 25% were multidrug-resistant (5 methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 1 Enterobacter cloacae). Bacteremia (100% vs 36.8%, P = 0.037), multidrug resistant bacteria (75% vs 16, P = 0.04), and healthcare-associated infections (100% vs 26.3%, P = 0.014) were associated with sequelae. Comparing OAI ≤ 3M with older children, OAI ≤ 3M were treated with longer antibiotic courses, had more complications and sequelae (17.4% vs 3.2%, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: S. aureus is still the most common cause of OAI ≤ 3M, and 25% of causative bacteria were multidrug-resistant bacteria. Complications and sequelae were more frequent in OAI ≤ 3M when compared with older children.

Distinguishing Kingella kingae from Pyogenic Acute Septic Arthritis in Young Portuguese Children.

(1) Background: We aim to identify clinical and laboratorial parameters to distinguish Kingella kingae from pyogenic septic arthritis (SA). (2) Methods: A longitudinal, observational, single-centre study of children < 5 years old with microbiological positive SA admitted to a paediatric hospital from 2013−2020 was performed. Clinical and laboratorial data at admission and at 48 h, as well as on treatment and evolution, were obtained. (3) Results: We found a total of 75 children, 44 with K. kingae and 31 with pyogenic infections (mostly MSSA, S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes). K. kingae affected younger children with low or absent fever, low inflammatory markers and a favourable prognosis. In the univariate analyses, fever, septic look, CRP and ESR at admission and CRP at 48 h were significantly lower in K. kingae SA. In the multivariate analyses, age > 6 months ≤ 2 years, apyrexy and CRP ≤ 100 mg/L were significative, with an overall predictive positive value of 86.5%, and 88.4% for K. kingae. For this model, ROC curves were capable of differentiating (AUC 0.861, 95% CI 0.767−0.955) K. kingae SA from typical pathogens. (4) Conclusions: Age > 6 months ≤ 2 years, apyrexy and PCR ≤ 100 mg/L were the main predictive factors to distinguish K. kingae from pyogenic SA < 5 years. These data need to be validated in a larger study.

Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in Lisbon: an unexpectedly high association with myositis and arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the current trend toward less aggressive therapeutic approaches, acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) continues to be a challenge and is associated with significant morbidity worldwide. Our aim was to assess whether compliance with the current protocol was achieved in 80% of cases, to identify complications and the associated risk factors, and to analyse trends in the aetiology and management of AHO in the paediatric population. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal, observational, single-centre study in patients with AHO aged less than 18 years admitted to a paediatric hospital between 2008 and 2018 divided in 2 cohorts (before and after 2014). We analysed data concerning demographic and clinical characteristics and outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 71 children with AHO, 56% male, with a median age of 3 years (interquartile range, 1-11). We found a 1.8-fold increase of cases in the last 5 years. The causative agent was identified in 37% of cases: MSSA (54%), MRSA (4%), S. pyogenes (19%), K. kingae (12%), S. pneumoniae (8%), and N. meningitidis (4%). Complications were identified in 45% of patients and sequelae in 3.6%. In recent years, there was an increase in myositis (30% vs 7%; P=.02), septic arthritis (68 vs 37.2%; p=0.012) and in the proportion of patients treated for less than 4 weeks (37 vs 3.5%; p=0.012), with a similar sequelae rates. The risk factors associated with complications were age 3 or more years, C-reactive protein levels of 20mg/L or higher, time elapsed between onset and admission of 5 or more days and positive culture, although the only factor that continued to be significantly associated in the multivariate analysis was positive culture. The presence of complications was a risk factor for sequelae at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that AHO can be aggressive. The identification of risk factors for complications is essential for management.

Osteomielitis hematógena aguda en Lisboa: asociación con miositis y artritis inesperadamente alta / Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in Lisbon: An unexpectedly high association with myositis and arthritis

Introducción: Aunque actualmente se tiende a un abordaje terapéutico menos agresivo, la osteomielitis hematógena aguda (OHA) sigue suponiendo un reto, con una morbilidad significativa a nivel mundial. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar si se alcanzó una adherencia del 80% con el protocolo vigente, identificar las complicaciones y riesgos asociados y analizar las tendencias en la etiología y el manejo de la OHA en la población pediátrica. Métodos: Estudio observacional longitudinal unicéntrico en pacientes menores de 18 años con OHA ingresados en un hospital pediátrico entre 2008 y 2018 divididos en 2 cohortes (antes y después de 2014). Se analizaron datos demográficos, clínicos y concernientes a la evolución de la enfermedad. Resultados: El estudio incluyó a 71 niños con OHA, 56% varones, con una edad mediana de 3 años (rango intercuartílico, 1-11). Se observó una incidencia 1,8 veces mayor en los últimos 5 años. El agente causal se identificó en el 37% de los casos: SASM (54%), SARM (4%), Streptococcus pyogenes (19%), Kingella kingae (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8%) y Neisseria meningitidis (4%). Se identificaron complicaciones en el 45% y secuelas en 3,6% de los pacientes. En los últimos años aumentó la incidencia de miositis (30% vs. 7%; p=0,02) y de artritis séptica (después de 2015, 68% vs. 37,2%, p=0,012), así como la proporción de pacientes con tratamiento inferior a 4 semanas (37% vs. 3,5%; p=0,012), con tasas de secuelas similares. Los factores de riesgo de complicaciones fueron la edad ≥3 años, nivel de PCR≥20mg/l, duración de los síntomas al ingreso de 5 o más días y cultivo positivo, aunque en el análisis multivariado solo se validó el cultivo positivo. La presencia de complicaciones se identificó como factor de riesgo de secuelas a los 6 meses. Conclusiones: El presente estudio confirma que la OHA puede ser agresiva. La identificación de los factores de riesgo es fundamental para su abordaje. (AU)

Introduction: Despite the current trend towards less aggressive therapeutic approaches, acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) continues to be a challenge and is associated with significant morbidity worldwide. Our aim was to determine if 80% compliance with current protocol was achieved, identify complications and associated risk factors and analyse trends in aetiology and management of AHO in children. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal, observational, single-centre study in patients with AHO aged less than 18 years admitted to a paediatric hospital, between 2008 and 2018, divided into 2 cohorts (before and after 2014). Demographic, clinical data and disease progression were analysed. Results: The study included 71 children with AHO, 56% male, with a median age of 3 years (interquartile range, 1–11). We found a 1.8-fold increase of cases in the last 5 years. The causative agent was identified in 37% of cases: MSSA (54%), MRSA (4%), Streptococcus pyogenes (19%), Kingella kingae (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8%), and Neisseria meningitidis (4%). Complications were identified in 45% of patients and sequelae in 3.6%. In recent years, there was an increase in myositis (30% vs. 7%; p=0.02), septic arthritis (68% vs. 37.2%; p=0.012) and in the proportion of patients treated for less than 4 weeks (37% vs. 3.5%; p=0.012), with a similar sequelae rates. The risk factors for complications were age 3 or more years, CRP levels of 20mg/l or higher, time elapsed between onset and admission of 5 or more days and positive culture, although on multivariate analysis only positive culture was significant. The presence of complications was a risk factor for sequelae at 6 months. Conclusions: Our study confirms that AHO can be aggressive. The identification of risk factors for complications may be fundamental for management. (AU)

Kingella kingae Displaced S. aureus as the Most Common Cause of Acute Septic Arthritis in Children of All Ages.

BACKGROUND: Acute septic arthritis (SA) still remains a challenge with significant worldwide morbidity. In recent years, Kingella kingae has emerged and treatment regimens have become shorter. We aim to analyze trends in SA etiology and management and to identify risk factors for complications. METHODS: Longitudinal observational, single center study of children (<18 years old) with SA admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital, from 2003 to 2018, in 2 cohorts, before and after implementation of nucleic acid amplification assays (2014). Clinical, treatment and disease progression data were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 247 children were identified, with an average annual incidence of 24.9/100,000, 57.9% males with a median age of 2 (1-6) years. In the last 5 years, a 1.7-fold increase in the annual incidence, a lower median age at diagnosis and an improved microbiologic yield (49%) was noticed. K. kingae became the most frequent bacteria (51.9%) followed by MSSA (19.2%) and S. pyogenes (9.6%). Children were more often treated for fewer intravenous days (10.7 vs. 13.2 days, P = 0.01) but had more complications (20.6% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.049) with a similar sequelae rate (3.7%). Risk factors for complications were C-reactive protein ≥80 mg/L and Staphylococcus aureus infection, and for sequelae at 6 months, age ≥4 years and CRP ≥ 80 mg/L. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that K. kingae was the most common causative organism of acute SA. There was a trend, although small, for decreasing antibiotic duration. Older children with high inflammatory parameters might be at higher risk of sequelae.

[Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in Lisbon: An unexpectedly high association with myositis and arthritis]. / Osteomielitis hematógena aguda en Lisboa: asociación con miositis y artritis inesperadamente alta.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the current trend towards less aggressive therapeutic approaches, acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) continues to be a challenge and is associated with significant morbidity worldwide. Our aim was to determine if 80% compliance with current protocol was achieved, identify complications and associated risk factors and analyse trends in aetiology and management of AHO in children. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal, observational, single-centre study in patients with AHO aged less than 18 years admitted to a paediatric hospital, between 2008 and 2018, divided into 2 cohorts (before and after 2014). Demographic, clinical data and disease progression were analysed. RESULTS: The study included 71 children with AHO, 56% male, with a median age of 3 years (interquartile range, 1-11). We found a 1.8-fold increase of cases in the last 5 years. The causative agent was identified in 37% of cases: MSSA (54%), MRSA (4%), Streptococcus pyogenes (19%), Kingella kingae (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8%), and Neisseria meningitidis (4%). Complications were identified in 45% of patients and sequelae in 3.6%. In recent years, there was an increase in myositis (30% vs. 7%; p=0.02), septic arthritis (68% vs. 37.2%; p=0.012) and in the proportion of patients treated for less than 4 weeks (37% vs. 3.5%; p=0.012), with a similar sequelae rates. The risk factors for complications were age 3 or more years, CRP levels of 20mg/l or higher, time elapsed between onset and admission of 5 or more days and positive culture, although on multivariate analysis only positive culture was significant. The presence of complications was a risk factor for sequelae at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that AHO can be aggressive. The identification of risk factors for complications may be fundamental for management.