Authors
Yu Ting Wang, Hai Ting Jia, Ming Zhu Lu, Jian Chen
Published in
Medicine. Volume 105. Issue 26. Pages e49529. Jun 26, 2026.
Abstract
This study aimed to summarize the clinical characteristics and prognosis of osteomyelitis in infants under 6 months of age. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 24 infants under 6 months of age diagnosed and treated for osteomyelitis between November 2017 and October 2024. This was a single-center study. General information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, treatments, and prognosis were summarized. Twenty-four infants (13 boys, 11 girls; age 0.5-5.6 months) were included. All presented with limb swelling, reduced movement, or pain on passive movement. Fever was initially present in 7 cases and developed early in 21 (87.5%). The femur (11/29, 37.9%) and tibia (7/29, 24.1%) were the most common infection sites. At admission, elevated WBC, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were observed in 23 (95.8%), 22 (91.7%), and 19 (79.2%) infants, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen (14/24, 58.3%). All received empirical antibiotics, adjusted based on culture results. Twenty underwent cortical window drainage. Follow-up of 21 infants (6 months to 8.5 years) revealed 1 case each of limb shortening, genu valgum, and restricted joint movement; the remaining 18 had normal limb function. Patients were stratified by prognosis for comparison. No significant differences were found in any variables between the 2 groups. Osteomyelitis in infants under 6 months of age lacks specific early clinical manifestations. Prompt laboratory and imaging evaluations are critical for early diagnosis and treatment. Overall, the prognosis is favorable.
PMID:
42363534
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Jun 2026.
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