[Epidemiology of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in children: a prospective study over a 32 months period].

AIM: To determine the demographic, clinical, biological and bacteriological profile of acute community acquired hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) in children.

METHODS: Prospective study including children admitted for AHO. We noted the demographic parameters of patients and the clinical, biological and radiological characteristics of the infection. Blood cultures and local specimen in operated children were systematically performed.

RESULTS: 70 patients were included. The mean age was 7.7 years. The mean time between onset of symptoms and admission was 3.2 days. Distal tibia was the most frequent localization (18.66%). Fever higher than 38° on admission was found in 92.8% of patients. Creactive protein (CRP) was superior to 20 mg / L in 95.8% and ESR superior to 20 mm in the first hour in 92% of cases. A deep venous thrombosis was found in 7 patients and a pleuropulmonary Staphylococcus infection in 4 patients. A micro organism was isolated in 64.7% of cases. Staphylococcus aureus methicillin susceptible (SAMS) was the predominant germ. Staphylococcus aureus methicillin resistant (SAMR) accounted for 15.7% of staphylococcus aureus infections. The importance of CRP on admission and time to resolution of fever after the start of treatment were significantly higher in SAMR infections. The existence of deep venous thrombosis and a pleuropulmonary Staphylococcus infection and the need for surgical drainage were significantly more frequent in SAMR infections.

CONCLUSION: The existence of a severe form of AHO should lead to a high suspicion of SAMR infection and prompt the prescription of an appropriate antibiotiotherapy.