Osteoarticular infections in children in Qatar: A retrospective study

Background: Osteoarticular infections (OAIs) in Qatar’s pediatric population represent a significant source of morbidity, highlighting the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their clinical, microbiological, and treatment characteristics. Understanding the presentation and management of these infections is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and guiding future therapeutic approaches. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 62 hospitalized children with OAIs treated at Hamad Medical Corporation from 2016 to 2018. Results: Over 2 years, 62 patients were diagnosed and treated for OAIs. Osteomyelitis emerged as the most prevalent infection type, comprising 48.4% of cases, followed by septic arthritis at 20.9% and concurrent infections at 17.7%. The cohort demonstrated a male predominance of 66.1%. The common clinical manifestations included fever (77.4%), functional limitations (82.3%), and pain (88.7%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen, present in 24.1% (15/62) of cases, with approximately 50% of these being methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Among the radiological studies conducted, 75% revealed abnormal ultrasound findings, while all patients exhibited abnormal magnetic resonance imaging results (n = 53). The antibiotic regimen most frequently prescribed was clindamycin (79%), followed by the cephalosporin ceftriaxone (67.7%). The group with concurrent infections showed the longest duration of both parenteral and oral antibiotic therapy, the highest complication rates, and the longest median hospital stay of 21 days. Conclusions: OAIs present substantial clinical challenges, marked by complex presentations and diagnostic difficulties. Staphylococcus aureus remains the predominant pathogen, with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus accounting for nearly half of the cases. Concurrent infections are linked with more severe complications and prolonged hospitalizations, though they also exhibit the highest rates of positive microbiological results.