CLINICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL INSIGHTS INTO SEPTIC ARTHRITIS : PREVALENCE, RISK FACTORS, AND JOINT INVOLVEMENT PATTERNS

Abstract

Background: Although septic arthritis is a rare condition, it is very significant since inadequate treatment can have catastrophic consequences. There is still insufficient data on the epidemiology of septic arthritis.

Objective: To determine the various microorganisms in septic arthritis in children under age of 12years.

Material and Methods: This Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in the Akbar Medical Center and Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from May2023 to March 2024 on 165 consecutive patients. Sample size was calculated by sample size calculator for cross-sectional study. Patients with congenital joint deformity and traumatic joint injury were excluded from the study, however patients between the ages of 1 year and 12 years who presented with septic arthritis. For culture sensitivity, synovial fluid was aspirated. The microorganisms' growth pattern in the culture was observed. SPSS version 26.0 was used for data entry and analysis.

Results: The study group consisted of 165 individuals the diagnosis of septic arthritis was confirmed in 76 (46%) patients. Mean age was 7.47±1.96, the frequency of septic arthritis was high among the men (n=47:62%). Swelling (57%; P =.01), pain (59; P =.001) and movement limitation (53%; P =.002) were the signs found statistically significant. Fever was not found statistically significant (18%; P=.47.) The frequently isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (n=29;38.1%). large joints were involved in 52(68.4%) of patients and small joints were affected in 24(31.6) of patients. Single joint was affected in 49(64.4%) while multiple joints were affected in 27(35.6%) of patients.

Conclusion: S. aureus is still the most common pathogen in acute joint infections in our environment in children under the age of 12years.