Childhood Osteomyelitis: Incidence and Differentiation from Other Musculoskeletal Issues
Author Information
Author(s): Riise Øystein Rolandsen, Kirkhus Eva, Handeland Kai Samson, Flatø Berit, Reiseter Tor, Cvancarova Milada, Nakstad Britt, Wathne Karl-Olaf
Primary Institution: Department of Paediatrics, Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Hypothesis
What is the annual incidence of osteomyelitis in children and how can it be differentiated from other acute onset musculoskeletal features?
Conclusion
The annual incidence of osteomyelitis in Norway remains high, particularly in children under 3 years of age.
Supporting Evidence
- The total annual incidence rate of osteomyelitis was 13 per 100,000 children.
- The incidence was higher in patients under the age of 3 than in older children.
- Vertebral osteomyelitis was more frequent in girls than in boys.
- Blood culture was positive in 26% of the acute osteomyelitis patients.
Takeaway
This study looked at how often children get a bone infection called osteomyelitis and how to tell it apart from other similar problems.
Methodology
A population-based multi-centre study in three counties in South-Eastern Norway where physicians referred children with suspected osteomyelitis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on physician referrals and the exclusion of certain patient groups.
Limitations
Children with disease duration of more than six weeks and those with trauma may not have been included.
Participant Demographics
Children under the age of 16, with a median age of 4.3 years; 51% were girls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = .002
Confidence Interval
95%: CI 2.3–3.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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