Frequency of Microorganisms in Septic Arthritis in Children Under the Age of 10 Years

Abstract

Background: Septic arthritis is an infrequent disease although very important due to the possibility of disastrous outcomes if treatment is not adequately established. Adequate information concerning the epidemiology of septic arthritis is still lacking. Objective: To find determine the frequency of various microorganisms in septic arthritis in children under age of 10 year. Materials and Methods: This Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Pakistan on from September 2022 to March 2023 on 171 consecutive patients. Non Probability Consecutive Sampling Technique was used in the study. Sample size was calculated using WHO sample size formula, using the proportion, anticipated frequency of E. coli, p=8%3, Margin of error=7.5%, Confidence Level=95%. Patient age 1 month to 10 years of both genders presenting with septic arthritis as per operational definition were included in the study while Patients with congenital joint deformity, Immunocompromised patients, Patients with rheumatologic joint disease and Patients with traumatic joint injury were excluded from the study. Septic arthritis was confirmed with clinical fever, pain and tenderness in the joint and ultrasound showing collection and debris in the joint cavity. Synovial fluid was aspirated for C/S. Pattern of microorganisms in the growth in the culture was noted. Results: Mean age of the patients was 6.68±1.239 years. Out of 177 patients, 96 (%) were male. Large joint arthritis was more common (63.8%). Staph aureus was the most common microorganism isolated in 79 patients (44.6%) while E coli was least commonly isolated (28 patients, 15.8%). Conclusion: S. aureus is still the most common pathogen in acute joint infections in our environment in children under the age of 10 years.