[French nationwide survey about management of acute osteomyelitis in children]. / Enquête nationale sur la prise en charge des ostéomyélites aiguës de l'enfant.

PURPOSE: The outcome of acute osteomyelitis in children has been modified by the use of potent antibiotics. However, treatment management remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the current management of acute osteomyelitis in children in France. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A questionnaire regarding the choice and the duration of antibiotics was sent to French pediatricians and pediatric orthopedists. RESULTS: Ninety-four centers answered the questionnaire: 72 pediatricians and 22 pediatric orthopedists. The response rate was 51% and the median number of children hospitalized per year for osteomyelitis was 4 in each center. The radiologic procedures most often used for diagnosis were X-rays (99%) and bone scintigraphy (82%). Two intravenous antibiotics schemes were used by 80% of centers: either an association of 3rd-generation cephalosporin plus fosfomycin or an association of penicillin M and aminoglycoside, followed by oral penicillin M or pristinamycin. Intravenous therapy lasted 7 to 14 days in 72% of the centers. The total duration of antibiotic therapy was 6 weeks for 55% of centers. In 83% of cases, immobilization was prescribed. The decision for treatment withdrawal was based on clinical, biological or empirical findings for 59, 75 and 60% of departments, respectively. CONCLUSION: In spite of controversies and lack of consensus, regarding both the diagnostic procedures and treatment management, 2 main antibiotic therapy schemes emerged from our survey. However, the treatment duration appeared more variable. Reaching a consensus for acute-osteomyelitis care in children remains a critical issue.