Assessing the management of pediatric bone and joint infections according to French guidelines

Methods to Reduce Cost of Treatment in Childhood Bone and Joint Infection: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Childhood bone and joint infection (BJI) is a potentially severe disease with consequences for growth and development. Critically unwell children may require prolonged hospitalization and multiple surgeries. Acknowledging rising healthcare costs and the financial impact of illness on caregivers, increased efforts are required to optimize treatment. This systematic review aims to characterize existing costs of hospital care and summarize strategies, which reduce treatment expense.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed from January 1, 1980, to January 31, 2024. Data were extracted on hospitalization costs for pediatric BJI by decade and global region. Results have been converted to cost per day in US dollars with purchase parity for 2023. Studies reporting innovations in clinical care to reduce length of stay (LOS) and simplify treatment were identified. Studies trialing shorter antibiotic treatment were only included if they specifically reported changes in LOS.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria; of these, a daily hospitalization cost could be derived from 7 publications. Overall hospitalization cost and inpatient charges rose steeply from the 1990s to the 2020s. By contrast, average LOS seems to have decreased. Cost per day was higher in the United States than in Europe and higher for cases with confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Sixteen studies report innovations to optimize care. For studies where reduced LOS was achieved, early magnetic resonance imaging with immediate transfer to theater when necessary and discharge on oral antibiotics were consistent features.

CONCLUSION

Rising costs of hospital care and economic consequences for families can be mitigated by simplifying treatment for childhood BJI. Hospitals that adopt protocols for early advanced imaging and oral antibiotic switch may provide satisfactory clinical outcomes at lower cost.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Thousand Faces of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections: Update on Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Therapy

Invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pyogfenes (iGAS), commonly known as Group A Streptococcus, represent a significant public health concern due to their potential for rapid progression and life-threatening complications. Epidemiologically, invasive GAS infections exhibit a diverse global distribution, affecting individuals of all ages with varying predisposing factors. The pathogenesis of invasive GAS involves an array of virulence factors that contribute to tissue invasion, immune evasion, and systemic dissemination. In pediatrics, in the last few years, an increase in iGAS infections has been reported worldwide becoming a challenging disease to diagnose and treat promptly. This review highlights the current knowledge on pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and therapeutic approaches for iGAS in children.

Antibiotic therapy for osteoarticular infections in 2023: Proposals from the Pediatric Infectious Pathology Group (GPIP)

Most osteoarticular infections (OAI) occur via the hematogenous route, affect children under 5 years of age old, and include osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, osteoarthritis and spondylodiscitis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are needed to avoid complications. Children with suspected OAI should be hospitalized at the start of therapy. Surgical drainage is indicated in patients with septic arthritis or periosteal abscess. Staphylococcus aureus is implicated in OAI in children at all ages; Kingella kingae is a very common causative pathogen in children from 6 months to 4 years old. The French Pediatric Infectious Disease Group recommends empirical antibiotic therapy with appropriate coverage against methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) with high doses (150 mg/kg/d) of intravenous cefazolin. In most children presenting uncomplicated OAI with favorable outcome (disappearance of fever and pain), short intravenous antibiotic therapy during 3 days can be followed by oral therapy. In the absence of bacteriological identification, oral relay is carried out with the amoxicillin/clavulanate combination (80 mg/kg/d of amoxicillin) or cefalexin (150 mg/kg/d). If the bacterial species is identified, antibiotic therapy will be adapted to antibiotic susceptibility. The minimum total duration of antibiotic therapy should be 14 days for septic arthritis, 3 weeks for osteomyelitis and 4-6 weeks for OAI of the pelvis, spondylodiscitis and more severe OAI, and those evolving slowly under treatment or with an underlying medical condition (neonate, infant under 3 months of old, immunocompromised patients). Treatment of spondylodiscitis and severe OAI requires systematic orthopedic advice.

SPILF update on bacterial arthritis in adults and children

In 2020 the French Society of Rhumatology (SFR) published an update of the 1990 recommendations for management of bacterial arthritis in adults. While we (French ID Society, SPILF) totally endorse this update, we wished to provide further information about specific antibiotic treatments. The present update focuses on antibiotics with good distribution in bone and joint. It is important to monitor their dosage, which should be maximized according to PK/PD parameters. Dosages proposed in this update are high, with the optimized mode of administration for intravenous betalactams (continuous or intermittent infusion). We give tools for the best dosage adaptation to conditions such as obesity or renal insufficiency. In case of enterobacter infection, with an antibiogram result "susceptible for high dosage", we recommend the requesting of specialized advice from an ID physician. More often than not, it is possible to prescribe antibiotics via the oral route as soon as blood cultures are sterile and clinical have symptoms shown improvement. Duration of antibiotic treatment is 6 weeks for Staphylococcus aureus, and 4 weeks for the other bacteria (except for Neisseria: 7 days).

Case Report: Septic arthritis in children caused by Streptococcus pyogenes-rational use of antibiotics

To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of septic arthritis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes(S. pyogenes) in children, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, laboratory results, treatments and outcomes of three pediatric cases of septic arthritis caused by S. pyogenes occurring from 2016-2018. The three cases of septic arthritis included 1 boy and 2 girls, aged from 2-7 years. Two patients experienced fever, and in all three cases, the affected joints showed redness, swelling, an increased local skin temperature, tenderness and restricted limb movement. At the first visit, all three cases showed a significantly increased white blood cell count [(27.68-32.02)×10⁹/mL] and a significantly increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (113-134 mm/h). The C-reactive protein level was significantly increased in two cases (67 mg/L, 147.7 mg/L) and normal in one case. The procalcitonin level was normal in 1 case, elevated in 1 case, and undetected in 1 case. S. pyogenes isolated from cases 1 and 2 were emm1/ST28 and from case 3 was emm12/ST36. All patients were treated by abscess incision and drainage, and S. pyogenes was cultured in the abscess puncture fluid. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics after admission, and all patients were cured and discharged. The patients were followed up for 2 months, and their condition was improved and stable. No sequelae such as heart and kidney damage were detected. In conclusion, for children with septic arthritis, early diagnosis and timely treatment with incision and drainage followed by culture of the abscess puncture fluid are important. Once S. pyogenes infection is confirmed, β-lactam antibiotics provide effective treatment, avoiding use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Surveillance of osteoarticular infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a paediatric hospital in Mexico City

Staphylococcus aureus is the main aetiologic agent of osteoarticular infections (OAIs) in paediatric patients. The aim of this prospective unicenter study was to describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus isolates obtained from OAIs in paediatric patients admitted to tertiary care hospital. Through a surveillance program called OsteoCode, a multidisciplinary team was created and we identified 27 patients with OAIs caused by S. aureus from 2019 to 2021. The susceptibility profile, virulence factors, biofilm formation, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), clonal complex (CC) and sequence type (ST) were determined. In addition, the clinical characteristics and evolution of the patients presented six months after the diagnosis of OAIs were described. Ninety-two percent of the isolates were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). In methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), SCCmec-II and SCCmec-V were detected. The pvl gene was only observed in MSSA (18.5%) and was associated with highest fever (p=0.015), multiple localization (p=0.017), and soft tissue sites of infection beyond the bone (pyomyositis, pulmonary abscess) (p=0.017). Biofilm formation was detected in 55.6% of isolates. The most common CC were CC5 and CC30 which represent the most common linages for bone and joint infections worldwide. The isolates were distributed in different STs, and ST672 was predominant. MRSA were associated with a longer duration of intravenous treatment and a prolonged hospital stay (p=0.023). Recurrent infection occurred in five children and orthopaedic complications in 33.3% of patients. This is the first study that reflects the epidemiology of S. aureus in OAIs in paediatric patients in Mexico; a clear predominance of MSSA distributed in different STs was observed. Our findings highlight that a multidisciplinary team is required for the diagnosis and treatment of OAIs.

Distinguishing Kingella kingae from Pyogenic Acute Septic Arthritis in Young Portuguese Children

(1) Background: We aim to identify clinical and laboratorial parameters to distinguish Kingella kingae from pyogenic septic arthritis (SA). (2) Methods: A longitudinal, observational, single-centre study of children < 5 years old with microbiological positive SA admitted to a paediatric hospital from 2013−2020 was performed. Clinical and laboratorial data at admission and at 48 h, as well as on treatment and evolution, were obtained. (3) Results: We found a total of 75 children, 44 with K. kingae and 31 with pyogenic infections (mostly MSSA, S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes). K. kingae affected younger children with low or absent fever, low inflammatory markers and a favourable prognosis. In the univariate analyses, fever, septic look, CRP and ESR at admission and CRP at 48 h were significantly lower in K. kingae SA. In the multivariate analyses, age > 6 months ≤ 2 years, apyrexy and CRP ≤ 100 mg/L were significative, with an overall predictive positive value of 86.5%, and 88.4% for K. kingae. For this model, ROC curves were capable of differentiating (AUC 0.861, 95% CI 0.767−0.955) K. kingae SA from typical pathogens. (4) Conclusions: Age > 6 months ≤ 2 years, apyrexy and PCR ≤ 100 mg/L were the main predictive factors to distinguish K. kingae from pyogenic SA < 5 years. These data need to be validated in a larger study.

Osteoarticular infections in infants under 3 months of age

BACKGROUND

Acute osteoarticular infections (OAI) in infants under 3 months of age (≤3M) are rare and remain a diagnostic challenge. Orthopedic complications and functional sequelae have been less well described in this age group. Our aims were to evaluate trends in aetiology, management, and outcomes of OAI ≤ 3M, and to compare these younger children who have OAI with older children.

METHODS

A longitudinal observational study was conducted of OAI cases admitted to tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2008 to 2018. OAI ≤ 3M was compared with children above 3 months. Clinical, microbiological, imaging, and outcome data were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 24 (9.1%) of the 263 OAI in children under 3 months. Analyzing OAI ≤ 3M there was a twofold increase since 2014; 54% were males with a median age of 28 days (IQR: 13.5-60.0), 10 (41.7%) were premature and nine (37.5%) had healthcare-associated infections. Microbiological causes were identified in 87.5%, mostly Staphylococcus aureus (57.1%) and Group B Streptococcus (23.8%), and 25% were multidrug-resistant (5 methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 1 Enterobacter cloacae). Bacteremia (100% vs 36.8%, P = 0.037), multidrug resistant bacteria (75% vs 16, P = 0.04), and healthcare-associated infections (100% vs 26.3%, P = 0.014) were associated with sequelae. Comparing OAI ≤ 3M with older children, OAI ≤ 3M were treated with longer antibiotic courses, had more complications and sequelae (17.4% vs 3.2%, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

S. aureus is still the most common cause of OAI ≤ 3M, and 25% of causative bacteria were multidrug-resistant bacteria. Complications and sequelae were more frequent in OAI ≤ 3M when compared with older children.

Novel strategies to diagnose prosthetic or native bone and joint infections

INTRODUCTION

Bone and Joint Infections (BJI) are medically important, costly and occur in native and prosthetic joints. Arthroplasties will increase significantly in absolute numbers over time as well as the incidence of Prosthetic Joint Infections (PJI). Diagnosis of BJI and PJI is sub-optimal. The available diagnostic tests have variable effectiveness, are often below standard in sensitivity and/or specificity, and carry significant contamination risks during the collection of clinical samples. Improvement of diagnostics is urgently needed.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a narrative review on current and future diagnostic microbiology technologies. Pathogen identification, antibiotic resistance detection, and assessment of the epidemiology of infections via bacterial typing are considered useful for improved patient management. We confirm the continuing importance of culture methods and successful introduction of molecular, mass spectrometry-mediated and next-generation genome sequencing technologies. The diagnostic algorithms for BJI must be better defined, especially in the context of diversity of both disease phenotypes and clinical specimens rendered available.

EXPERT OPINION

Whether interventions in BJI or PJI are surgical or chemo-therapeutic (antibiotics and bacteriophages included), prior sensitive and specific pathogen detection remains a therapy-substantiating necessity. Innovative tests for earlier and more sensitive and specific detection of bacterial pathogens in BJI are urgently needed.

Kingella kingae Displaced S. aureus as the Most Common Cause of Acute Septic Arthritis in Children of All Ages

BACKGROUND

Acute septic arthritis (SA) still remains a challenge with significant worldwide morbidity. In recent years, Kingella kingae has emerged and treatment regimens have become shorter. We aim to analyze trends in SA etiology and management and to identify risk factors for complications.

METHODS

Longitudinal observational, single center study of children (<18 years old) with SA admitted to a tertiary care pediatric hospital, from 2003 to 2018, in 2 cohorts, before and after implementation of nucleic acid amplification assays (2014). Clinical, treatment and disease progression data were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 247 children were identified, with an average annual incidence of 24.9/100,000, 57.9% males with a median age of 2 (1-6) years. In the last 5 years, a 1.7-fold increase in the annual incidence, a lower median age at diagnosis and an improved microbiologic yield (49%) was noticed. K. kingae became the most frequent bacteria (51.9%) followed by MSSA (19.2%) and S. pyogenes (9.6%). Children were more often treated for fewer intravenous days (10.7 vs. 13.2 days, P = 0.01) but had more complications (20.6% vs. 11.4%, P = 0.049) with a similar sequelae rate (3.7%). Risk factors for complications were C-reactive protein ≥80 mg/L and Staphylococcus aureus infection, and for sequelae at 6 months, age ≥4 years and CRP ≥ 80 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study confirms that K. kingae was the most common causative organism of acute SA. There was a trend, although small, for decreasing antibiotic duration. Older children with high inflammatory parameters might be at higher risk of sequelae.

[Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis in Lisbon: An unexpectedly high association with myositis and arthritis]

INTRODUCTION

Despite the current trend towards less aggressive therapeutic approaches, acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) continues to be a challenge and is associated with significant morbidity worldwide. Our aim was to determine if 80% compliance with current protocol was achieved, identify complications and associated risk factors and analyse trends in aetiology and management of AHO in children.

METHODS

We conducted a longitudinal, observational, single-centre study in patients with AHO aged less than 18 years admitted to a paediatric hospital, between 2008 and 2018, divided into 2 cohorts (before and after 2014). Demographic, clinical data and disease progression were analysed.

RESULTS

The study included 71 children with AHO, 56% male, with a median age of 3 years (interquartile range, 1-11). We found a 1.8-fold increase of cases in the last 5 years. The causative agent was identified in 37% of cases: MSSA (54%), MRSA (4%), Streptococcus pyogenes (19%), Kingella kingae (12%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (8%), and Neisseria meningitidis (4%). Complications were identified in 45% of patients and sequelae in 3.6%. In recent years, there was an increase in myositis (30% vs. 7%; p=0.02), septic arthritis (68% vs. 37.2%; p=0.012) and in the proportion of patients treated for less than 4 weeks (37% vs. 3.5%; p=0.012), with a similar sequelae rates. The risk factors for complications were age 3 or more years, CRP levels of 20mg/l or higher, time elapsed between onset and admission of 5 or more days and positive culture, although on multivariate analysis only positive culture was significant. The presence of complications was a risk factor for sequelae at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study confirms that AHO can be aggressive. The identification of risk factors for complications may be fundamental for management.

Acute infectious osteomyelitis in children: new treatment strategies for an old enemy

BACKGROUND

Acute osteomyelitis still represents a significant clinical challenge, with an increasing incidence in paediatric population. A careful assessment and a rapid diagnosis with proper timing and choice of empirical antimicrobial therapy are necessary to avoid sequelae. The initial treatment should consist of empirical antibiotic therapy, to cover the major responsible pathogens in each age group.

DATA SOURCES

We made a literature search with PubMed and Cochrane database from 2000 to 2019 in English, French, and Spanish languages using the key words "osteomyelitis, children, clinical, diagnosis, and treatment".

RESULTS

The child's clinical features, age, and the microbiological profile of the geographic area should be evaluated for diagnosis and in the choice of antibiotic treatment. Latest data suggest the administration of intravenous antibiotics for a short period, with subsequent oral therapy, according to the improvement of clinical status and inflammatory markers. For children older than 3 months, the shift to oral medications is already possible after a short course of intravenous therapy, until recovery. The timing for the shift from cefazolin to cephalexin or cefuroxime, intravenous clindamycin to oral clindamycin, and intravenous ceftriaxone + oxacillin to oral equivalents will be decided according to the improvement of clinical status and inflammatory markers. We also present the approach to osteomyelitis due to difficult pathogens, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive S. aureus infections.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we present the current approach to the clinical diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis in childhood, with an update on recent recommendations, as a useful instrument to understand the rationale of antibiotic therapy.