Etiology, risk factors, antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and treatment outcomes of musculoskeletal infections in children admitted to Jimma Medical Center (JUMC), South West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Pediatric musculoskeletal infections are common disorders that can result in significant disability. Because the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of infections of the bones, joints, and soft tissues have continued to improve over time, it is important to have an understanding of the etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the commonest microorganisms, in order to achieve successful outcomes. Although each infectious process is unique, certain treatment principles like prevention, a prompt and accurate diagnosis, and timely medical and/or surgical intervention apply to all pediatric musculoskeletal infections. Continued evaluations are mandatory to assure good long-term outcomes. Because the effects of infection may last beyond the acute episode in pediatric patients, long-term follow-up is needed to assess for late sequelae such as angular deformities and limb-length inequalities. Objective: To identify the etiology and asses risk factors, drug susceptibility pattern and treatment outcome of musculoskeletal infections in children admitted to Jimma medical center. Methods: Institution based prospective longitudinal study was conducted to identify the etiologies, drug susceptibility pattern and treatment outcome of musculoskeletal infections in children at JUMC. A consecutive sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using structured questioner. Descriptive statistics was used to present the finding like percentage, tables and graphs. Chi-square test was applied to investigate an association between the types of diagnosis with the predictor variables. Results: A total of sixty-three children (63) were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the study participants was 7.12 ± 5.8 years. The most presenting symptoms of the disease was swelling and limping (pain) which was 56 (88.9%) and 27 (42.9%) respectively. Pyomyositis was diagnosed on 49 (77.7%) of children admitted with musculoskeletal infections in the study setting. Gram stain was done for 26 (41.3%) children with musculoskeletal infections. Culture was done for all patients to identify the etiology of the disease of which 24 (38.1%) them was reported as having bacterial growth. Among grown bacteria: the most predominant growth bacteria were S.aures and S.poygen. Conclusion and recommendation: most of them were diagnosed with pyomyositis, staph aureus being the commonest etiology identified and is susceptible to different drugs. emperic treatment with the sensitive drug may improve the outcome.