Duration of antibiotics in children with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of children with acute osteomyelitis and septic arthritis at a hospital where short-duration antibiotic treatment (≤3.5 weeks) was considered routine. Methodology: We carried out a retrospective chart review, with telephone interviews to follow up and determine long-term outcomes. Patients were selected to be at low risk for complications (illness ≤14 days, no underlying disease, uncomplicated presentation). Results: Thirty-two children with osteomyelitis (OM), 34 with septic arthritis (SA) and five with OM and SA (OMSA) were included. Blood cultures were positive (mainly Staphylococcus aureus) in 15% of patients who had not had prior antibiotic treatment,..