Scholarlink

Background <p>Bone and joint infections (BJIs) in neonates are rare but serious conditions associated with significant orthopedic complications. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical manifestations, often leading to delayed treatment and poor outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of neonates with BJIs to improve early diagnosis and guide clinical decision-making.</p> Methods <p>We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 20 neonates (aged ≤ 35&#xa0;days) hospitalized with BJIs between 2017 and 2025. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.</p> Results <p>The mean age was 21.2&#xa0;days, and 65% of the neonates were male. Pseudoparalysis was the most common presenting symptom (observed in 95% of cases). Pathogens were identified in 14 of the 20 cases (70%), with <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> being the most prevalent (identified in 11 patients, 55%). Concurrent bone and joint infections were observed in 65% of the patients. Ultrasound demonstrated a high detection rate (95%). Surgical drainage was performed in 12 patients (60%), who presented with significantly higher C-reactive protein levels and a higher culture-positive rate than did the nonsurgical group. With one patient lost to follow-up, data were available for 19 patients, of whom five (26.3%) experienced complications.</p> Conclusions <p>Neonatal BJIs often present with nonspecific signs, among which pseudoparalysis is a key indicator. Ultrasound is a sensitive, first-line imaging tool. Early surgical intervention should be considered for patients with concurrent arthritis and significantly elevated inflammatory markers, as it is associated with higher pathogen identification and provides effective source control.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Clinical characteristics, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of bone and joint infections in neonates: a single-center report of 20 cases

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月20日

查看全文
  • Chaojin Qin,
  • Shi Gao,
  • Li Li,
  • Haiqiong Chen,
  • Yijie Chi,
  • Guoqiang Zhao

摘要

Background

Bone and joint infections (BJIs) in neonates are rare but serious conditions associated with significant orthopedic complications. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific clinical manifestations, often leading to delayed treatment and poor outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes of neonates with BJIs to improve early diagnosis and guide clinical decision-making.

Methods

We performed a single-center, retrospective review of 20 neonates (aged ≤ 35 days) hospitalized with BJIs between 2017 and 2025. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

The mean age was 21.2 days, and 65% of the neonates were male. Pseudoparalysis was the most common presenting symptom (observed in 95% of cases). Pathogens were identified in 14 of the 20 cases (70%), with Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent (identified in 11 patients, 55%). Concurrent bone and joint infections were observed in 65% of the patients. Ultrasound demonstrated a high detection rate (95%). Surgical drainage was performed in 12 patients (60%), who presented with significantly higher C-reactive protein levels and a higher culture-positive rate than did the nonsurgical group. With one patient lost to follow-up, data were available for 19 patients, of whom five (26.3%) experienced complications.

Conclusions

Neonatal BJIs often present with nonspecific signs, among which pseudoparalysis is a key indicator. Ultrasound is a sensitive, first-line imaging tool. Early surgical intervention should be considered for patients with concurrent arthritis and significantly elevated inflammatory markers, as it is associated with higher pathogen identification and provides effective source control.