Background and purpose: The presentation and sequelae of osteomyelitis are variable. This study evaluated the clinical manifestations and outcome of osteomyelitis in children in different age groups, and in different periods before and after the implementation of National Health Insurance (NHI).
Methods: The records of pediatric patients with osteomyelitis treated at a medical center in Taipei from 1984 to 2002 were reviewed. Clinical features, pathogens, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were analyzed. The patients were stratified into 3 groups based on age: infants (< or = 3 months of age), young children (between 4 months and 5 years), and older children and adolescents (> 5 years). Based on the date of implementation of the NHI program, the study period was divided into 2 stages: prior to implementation, from January 1984 to February 1995; and after implementation, from March 1995 to December 2002.
Results: The records of 209 patients were reviewed, including 45 infants, 77 young children, and 87 older children. The most common presenting findings were local tenderness (79%), local swelling (72%), and fever (57%). The lower limbs were the most commonly involved sites (65%). Staphylococcus aureus (34%), Mycobacterium tuberculosis (10%), Salmonella species (7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6%) were the most frequently isolated pathogens. At the time of diagnosis, abnormalities were found on radiographs in 83% of patients and on radionuclide bone scans in 86%. Surgical intervention with local debridement and curettage was performed in 102 patients (49%). Sixty five patients (31%) developed complications, including specific bony sequelae in 26 (12%). Sepsis and septic arthritis were more common in infants (p < 0.01). A history of trauma, protracted course of osteomyelitis, and surgical intervention were more common in older children and adolescents (p < 0.01). After the implementation of NHI, a larger proportion of patients had negative cultures (p < 0.01), and the mean duration of antibiotic therapy was shorter (p = 0.01).
Conclusions: The clinical characteristics of osteomyelitis associated with sepsis or septic arthritis, chronic changes, and the need for surgery may differ depending on the age of the child. S. aureus, M. tuberculosis, and salmonellae were the most common pathogens in this Taiwanese series. Implementation of NHI in the more recent decade of the study period was associated with a shorter duration of intravenous antibiotic administration.