Abstract
We reviewed the characteristics of children hospitalized for bone and joint infections in Luanda, Angola. In a retrospective chart review of 45 patients with childhood osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, 51% of the patients had sickle cell disease, and these patients presented with lower hemoglobin and needed blood transfusion more frequently (p < 0.05). Out of all patients, 64% underwent surgical procedures; a pathological fracture occurred in 31% of the patients.
Highlights
Adolescents in Luanda, Angola.Unless diagnosed and treated promptly, bone and joint infections in children are devastating and even fatal diseases that especially in resource-poor settings cause serious and long-lasting sequelae [1]
The prognosis is generally favorable in acute cases if the antibiotic treatment is started promptly [1]
In this retrospective chart review, the case records of all patients at age 0 to 15 years admitted to the Department of Surgery in David Bernandino Childrens Hospital, Luanda, Angola were systematically searched from January 1st to December 31st 2014 to identify patients diagnosed with bone and joint infections
Summary
Unless diagnosed and treated promptly, bone and joint infections in children are devastating and even fatal diseases that especially in resource-poor settings cause serious and long-lasting sequelae [1]. Osteomyelitis (OM) and septic arthritis (SA) are most often hematogenous [2]. Common causative agents in tropical regions include S.aureus, respiratory pathogens, and Salmonella s.p.p. The prognosis is generally favorable in acute cases if the antibiotic treatment is started promptly [1]. Potential sequelae include chronic osteomyelitis, pathological fracture, sequestra, and growth disturbance [1,2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
